Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have turned to prayers following the arrest of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the alleged mismanagement of N1.3 trillion.

The Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, speaking on behalf of the government, urged Deltans to pray for Okowa during this challenging time, stressing that “Okowa is innocent until proven guilty.”

Oghenesivbe stated that the arrest of the former governor does not tarnish his admirable reputation, pointing out that under the legal principle of presumption of innocence, Okowa may be interrogated and released without criminal prosecution unless proven guilty in a court of law.

He further explained that the EFCC invites suspects based on criminal allegations, which may or may not be true, and that the law recognises the innocence of all accused persons until proven otherwise.

In Okowa’s case, Oghenesivbe noted that the former governor voluntarily made himself available to the EFCC and did not flee the country, contrary to rumours in some other investigations.

READ ALSO:Oborevwori places high premium on health workers —Commissioner

Oghenesivbe, who served as Okowa’s Executive Assistant on Communications from 2017 to May 29, 2023, appealed to the people of Delta State to remain calm and continue praying for Senator Okowa, as he may ultimately be exonerated following the EFCC investigation.

“The news of former Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s arrest by the EFCC is trending based on reports from sections of the traditional media,” he said. “There is no cause for alarm. Arrest is a standard procedure in criminal matters based on allegations presented to the commission. However, an arrest is not proof of guilt, and it is not a judgement by a court of competent jurisdiction. The allegations will be tested in court, as necessary.”

Meanwhile, the National Convener of the Police Community Partnership and South-South Zonal Acting Chairman of HURIDE, Comrade Anthony Asakitikpi, applauded the EFCC for Okowa’s arrest, insisting that “all enemies of Deltans must be brought to book.”

“I commend the EFCC for swiftly arresting former Governor Okowa,” Asakitikpi said. “Okowa plunged Delta State into a huge amount of debt while trying to support the Atiku-Okowa presidential ambition. Moreover, there is no tangible evidence to show how the borrowed funds were used in Delta State. Deltans are still paying for the consequences of these actions.”

Asakitikpi urged the EFCC to quiz, detain, and prosecute Okowa, demanding that he account for all the borrowed money and return it to the state’s coffers. He called for the former governor to face the full weight of the law.