Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, reacted to the arrest of his predecessor

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reacted strongly to the recent arrest of his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The arrest, which took place on Monday, November 4, 2024, has sparked widespread discussions across the state, with Oborevwori’s response drawing attention.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oborevwori expressed his deep concern and frustration over the arrest, describing it as politically motivated. He claimed that the action against Okowa was part of a broader plot to discredit his administration and undermine the achievements of his predecessor, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023. The governor also suggested that the arrest had spiritual implications, and he vowed to pray for Okowa’s swift release from the EFCC’s custody.

“I am deeply concerned about the political undertones of this arrest, and I will continue to pray for the swift release of our former governor. It is clear that those behind this move seek to tarnish his image and disrupt the progress we have made in the state,” Oborevwori said.

The governor further expressed his belief that the EFCC’s actions were part of a broader conspiracy to destabilize the state, accusing political enemies of plotting against Okowa to undermine the trust and progress of the past administration. He emphasized that the arrest would not deter his government from continuing the good work that had been started under Okowa’s leadership.

However, Oborevwori’s comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting his stance while others have criticized his approach. Critics argue that the arrest is a legitimate action by the EFCC, which is simply carrying out its duty of tackling corruption and financial misconduct. One such group, the Coalition for Accountability in Governance (CAG), expressed its approval of the EFCC’s action, praising the commission for its relentless fight against corruption and its role in upholding accountability in public office.

CAG, in a statement released on Tuesday, welcomed the arrest, calling it a long-awaited step toward ensuring transparency and fairness in governance. The group stated that Okowa’s tenure had been marked by several unaddressed allegations of financial mismanagement and abuse of office, and that the EFCC was simply fulfilling its role in investigating these matters.

“While we understand the political sensitivity of the situation, we believe that justice should not be compromised for political reasons. If there are credible allegations against any public official, including former governors, they must face the law, irrespective of their political standing,” CAG’s spokesperson said.

The EFCC’s arrest of Okowa follows months of investigation into his administration’s financial dealings, particularly concerning alleged irregularities in government contracts, state funds, and other financial activities during his tenure as governor. Okowa has yet to issue a public statement regarding his arrest, but sources close to him have indicated that he is cooperating fully with the commission’s investigation.

The arrest has thrown the state into political turmoil, with supporters of Okowa and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressing shock and anger at the developments. Meanwhile, Oborevwori’s administration has vowed to continue its work, with the governor pledging to “remain focused on the well-being of Delta State and its people.”

In conclusion, while the arrest of Ifeanyi Okowa by the EFCC has generated significant controversy, it has also sparked a broader conversation on accountability, corruption, and the role of political influence in governance. The coming days are expected to see further developments as the legal and political implications of Okowa’s arrest continue to unfold.