EFCC’s arrest of Okowa sparks probe call for G-5 governors

Following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) arrest of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over alleged fraud, Timi Frank, ex-Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for investigations into other ex-governors facing similar accusations, notably the G-5 governors.

In a statement from Abuja, Frank stressed that while he supports anti-corruption efforts, Okowa’s arrest should not be isolated but part of a wider crackdown that includes other former governors under scrutiny.

READ MORE: EFCC arrests former Delta governor Okowa

Frank, who now serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, emphasised that the EFCC should address the allegations against the G-5 governors – Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia). He claimed that despite existing petitions against these governors, the EFCC has yet to take action, raising concerns over selective justice.

Okowa, who ran as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, faces charges related to the alleged misuse of N1.3 trillion in Delta State funds.

Frank argued that for the EFCC’s credibility, it must extend its investigation to the G-5 governors, suggesting that immunity should not shield figures like Wike from scrutiny. “We want to see them arrested, charged, and prosecuted,” he said.

Frank further asserted that a presidential directive allegedly exists to protect the G-5 governors due to their support for President Tinubu’s 2023 campaign. “Is the EFCC saying the G-5 governors are saints?” he questioned, urging the agency to dispel any notion of preferential treatment by addressing the claims against them and others within the Tinubu administration.

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Warning of potential international repercussions, Frank urged the EFCC to show commitment to fairness or risk damaging international cooperation efforts with the UK and U.S. He called for Okowa’s release if an impartial approach could not be guaranteed.

Highlighting the EFCC’s need to uphold its mandate without bias, Frank stated, “Comprehensive, unbiased action is essential for the EFCC to serve Nigerians and protect the integrity of our justice system.”