The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting the immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Naija News earlier reported that anti-corruption authorities have cleared Mr Okowa’s arrest for allegedly embezzling N1.3 trillion, the proceeds of the 13% derivation fund allocated to the state during his administration. .
Mr. Okowa, who is the vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general election, had earlier visited the EFCC office in Port Harcourt.
However, he was quickly taken into custody.
Reacting to the development, the National Youth Deputy Leader of the PDP, Mr. Timothy Osadore, said at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday that the arrest and detention of Mr. Okowa was a wrong move by the anti-corruption agency.
He stressed that the Delta State government has not complained of lack of funds under the Okowa administration.
Mr. Osadore characterized Mr. Okowa’s detention as a form of political persecution and an attempt to suppress the voices of opposition, arguing that such acts are detrimental to democratic principles. .
He noted that Okowa was free to function until the PDP presidential candidate, Mr. Atiku Abubakar, started expressing criticism of government policies.
“It is surprising that a man who came to the EFCC office himself was detained and remains in custody.
“The man has not evaded arrest. He is a world figure and is cloaked in a huge figure, but that is not true.
“Delta State government has not said that the funds are running out.
“The EFCC is acting as a litigant and a prosecutor, and informs the media of investigations that are said to be ongoing.
“This development is extremely dangerous and we must condemn it,” he said.
Mr. Osador added that some former governors and ruling party leaders faced allegations regarding financial management, but they walked free.
“If not just politics, what is the difference with what happened in the case of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa?
“Mr Okawa must be released while the media must stop trying and embarrassing opposition leaders.
“You should also know that there is a pattern in Okowa’s arrest and by next week, the EFCC may pursue Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“This is a plan aimed at opposition leaders in the country.
“I’m not saying that political officials shouldn’t be held accountable, but political sentiments should be removed,” he said.
Mr. Osador advised the anti-corruption agency to view itself as a neutral and independent agency investigating financial crimes, rather than as an extension of the ruling party or the presidency.
“We are also calling for an overhaul of the EFCC law so that no matter how powerful the president is, he cannot appoint the board of the commission.
“Let it be left to the Judiciary or the Senate to appoint the chairman and directors of the EFCC.
“It should be taken out of the exclusive control of the president,” he added.
