The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urgently called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately release former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State from detention. This appeal follows Okowa's recent arrest and the PDP's strong objections to the circumstances surrounding it, with the party asserting that the detention undermines democratic principles and the rule of law in the country.
The PDP leadership expressed deep concern, emphasizing that Okowa’s rights must be respected and that any allegations against him should be handled transparently, fairly, and in accordance with due process. They argue that political witch-hunting and persecution have no place in a functioning democracy and that the legal system must be independent and just for all citizens, including political figures.
The party's Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, made the call for Okowa’s release during a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja. Osadolor condemned the EFCC’s actions, claiming that it was targeting the former governor politically. He noted that Okowa had willingly reported to the EFCC’s Port Harcourt directorate without evading arrest and described his detention as unwarranted, arguing that Okowa had been cooperating fully with the authorities prior to his arrest. He also expressed surprise that despite this cooperation, the former governor was still being held in custody without charges being formally leveled against him.
According to reports from the EFCC, Okowa was arrested in connection with an alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in proceeds from the 13 percent derivation funds that were meant for Delta State during his tenure as governor. However, the PDP maintains that there is no evidence of any missing funds and that the state government has not raised any alarm over the matter. Osadolor accused the EFCC of using its media presence to launch a public investigation before any formal charges had been brought, which he argued was politically motivated and dangerous for the country’s democratic process.
Osadolor further pointed out that several former governors and leaders within the ruling party have faced similar financial management allegations but remain free, fueling accusations of bias and unfair treatment. He questioned the difference in treatment for Okowa and urged for his immediate release, calling for an end to media trials and public humiliation of opposition leaders. He also warned that the EFCC’s actions may not stop with Okowa, suggesting that other opposition leaders, like Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, could be targeted next, in what he described as a coordinated attempt to silence political opposition in the country.
In addition to demanding Okowa's release, Osadolor called for reforms within the EFCC, urging the anti-graft body to act as a neutral and independent entity. He stressed that the EFCC should not be seen as an extension of the ruling party or the presidency but should operate free from political influence in order to effectively combat corruption and financial crimes. Osadolor also advocated for a complete overhaul of the EFCC Act to ensure that its leadership and key appointments are not controlled by the president, but instead are made by the judiciary or the senate to safeguard the commission's independence and integrity. He argued that such reforms are necessary to ensure that the EFCC can truly serve the interests of the nation and its citizens, free from partisan politics and control.