The Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to respect due process in handling the alleged case of financial fraud against the Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP and immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
Okowa had honoured an invitation by the EFCC on Monday and has since been in the custody of the Commission’s facility in Rivers State.
The Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum, led by Prince Joseph Kpokpogri, said the former governor should be released on self-recognition; otherwise, the people of Delta would protest what they believe to be a politically motivated arrest and detention.
Kpokpogri, who addressed the media in Abuja, tasked the Commission to recognise and protect the fundamental rights of the vice presidential candidate.
Dr. Okowa was reportedly arrested by the EFCC on Monday over allegations of embezzling N1.3 trillion belonging to Delta State.
However, the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum said, “It was a little troubling that the agency is shying away from making its position known when former Governor Okowa honourably presented himself to the office of the anti-graft agency in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.”
He argued that “Dr. Okowa ought to be commended for presenting himself to the EFCC, unlike a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has defied the EFCC, resisted every attempt to be arrested and arraigned.”
Kpokpogri, who is also a Board member at the International Human Rights Commission, added, “This trial by the media using proxies is untenable, vexatious, and unfortunate.
“The very notion of mentioning such a staggering amount of N1.3 trillion is geared towards whipping up sentiments against the ex-governor, the PDP in Delta State, and undercutting his towering political status.
“One is not oblivious to the political intrigues concerning Delta State aimed at undermining the PDP, weakening it at the grassroots, and inciting the people to rebel against the party in future elections.
“If this is the intention, it has woefully failed. It is imperative to state that for N1.3 trillion to have been allegedly stolen, it would mean that salaries were not paid in Okowa’s eight years as governor. It means that no roads were built, and no hospitals were funded.
“In short, nothing was done in those eight years. Besides, what was the total federal and internally generated revenue of the state for N1.3 trillion to have gone missing? It is regrettable that the media, in its frenzy to “break the news” and trend, would buy into and feed on such an unfounded claim.
“The media need to be careful in its reportage so as not to be seen as aiding misinformation and fake news. For context, we need to query the modus operandi of the EFCC.”
“For context, we need to query the modus operandi of the EFCC,” Kpokpogri queried.
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