Okowa, former Delta Governor in 'EFCC's Cage' over alleged N1. 3trn Fraud

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a former Governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, over alleged N1. 3trn Fraud.

A Sources within the Anti-Graft Agency confirmed that the Vice Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, was arrested in Port Harcourt, when he reported at the Port Harcourt Directorate of the EFCC.

Okowa, was arrested for allegedly diverting N1.3trn being Proceeds of 13 per cent Derivation Fund that accrued to the State during his Tenure.

He was alleged to have diverted the Fund from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023 when he held sway in the Oil-Rich State.

Officials of the Commission, who did not want their Names in Print, said that Okowa had earlier been invited by a Team of crack Detectives of the Agency handling his case.

One of the Sources said that he was arrested and would have to provide satisfactory answers to the questions posed to him regarding Financial Impropriety under his watch.

The former Governor was also alleged to have failed to render Accounts of the Funds as well as another N40bn he allegedly claimed he used to acquire Shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.

Specifically, Okowa allegedly bought Shares valued at N40bn in one of the Major Banks in the Country representing eight per cent Equity to float the Offshore LNG.

When contacted, Dele Oyewale, the Spokesman of the Anti-Graft Agency, confirmed Okowa presence in the Facility of the Commission but he declined further comments.

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We have a good path to realise our dreams, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly Appointed Ministers to join his Team in rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.

Tinubu gave the charge after Swearing in seven Ministers in Abuja, following their swift Review by the National Assembly.

The President emphasised the importance of Service, stating, “Service is the hallmark of this Human endeavour; you are being called upon to serve.”

Tinubu expressed optimism about the Country’s Economic recovery, saying, “Economic recovery is on the horizon.”

“We have a good path to realise our dreams and it is not just only for us, it is for our Children and Grandchildren.”

He acknowledged the challenges Nigerians face, including a high Cost of Living, but highlighted progress in paying the new Minimum Wage and reducing Debt Servicing from 97 per cent to 65 per cent of Revenue.

The new Ministers sworn in are Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Others are Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment (Trade and Investment), Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education.

Tinubu thanked the National Assembly for their efficient Review and Approval of the new Ministers.

In her Remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for her Appointment and reaffirmed her commitment to aligning with the Government’s Foreign Policy Objectives.

“The President has made things easier by establishing a clear Foreign Policy Direction,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the importance of leveraging the creative Potential, Skills, and Capital of Young Nigerians and the Diaspora to enhance Service Delivery.

She highlighted the significant contribution of the Diaspora, which remitted 22 billion dollars annually, and suggested partnering with them to forge Strategic Relationships with Global Financial Institutions.

Meanwhile, Jumoke Oduwole, acknowledged President Tinubu’s Trade and Investment Agenda.

She stressed the need to optimise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Nigerian Businesses and retain Domestic Investment while aggressively attracting new Investments.

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