Okowa’s EFCC Arrest: N’Delta Activist Blows Hot, Says Treat Delta Leaders With Dignity, Stop Media Trials, Unlawful Detentions

Niger Delta activist, Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe, has sounded a warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tread carefully in its investigation of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Iteveh, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said that the people of Delta State are concerned about how their leaders are treated in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, particularly when accusations are unproven.

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

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He stressed that media trials are outdated and counterproductive, especially when the accused has shown willingness to cooperate with investigators.

Iteveh noted that many governors have been under EFCC scrutiny, with some facing arrests and others disregarding due process. He urged the EFCC to prioritize dignity and caution over sensationalism.

He said; “it is a matter of concern to the people Delta State and the region, how our leaders are treated in the socio-political equation of Nigeria.

“Many Governors in Nigeria have been on EFCC radar since this dispensation. Some have invaded arrests, others have shown blatant disdain for due process in their graft investigation. Media trials is not the encouragement you give to those who have shown willingness for dues process.

“As a stakeholder from the Niger Delta region and as a Deltan, I dare say that the region is not comfortable with the perpetual vilification of our leaders at every turn. We cannot not allow for every ex-governor from Delta State and the region to be cloaked with infamy.”

“It is on this note that I urge the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to treat our leaders with some dignity and not play to the gallery no matter the level of accusations. They are not guilty until competent courts and authorities say so. We will not support unlawful detentions and manipulations.”

Iteveh called on Niger Deltans to continue to support the leadership of the region and not destroy it. saying, “We are all we have. We must not continue to jubilate at the presumed downfall of our own. These leaders are the pillars of our society. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has served Delta State within the limits of his capacity and the dynamics of the times. No matter what, we cannot undermine his sacrifice whichever we choose to see it”.