PDP Rejects Politicised Attack on Okowa, Calls for Rule of Law
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for fairness, transparency, and equity as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigates the administration of former Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olorogun Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu, the PDP stressed that the investigation must be conducted with integrity and in strict adherence to the rule of law. “We demand that the EFCC and related agencies carry out these investigations openly, justly, and without any manipulation or smoke-and-mirrors tactics,” Okorodudu said. “The entire world is watching.”
The PDP reiterated that while it is a standard practice in democracies worldwide to hold public officials accountable after their tenure, this should not be used as a pretext for political victimisation. The party maintained that Okowa’s innocence should be presumed until proven otherwise, reinforcing that “this is in line with global practices when interrogating public officials.”
APC’s Alleged Hypocrisy
The PDP also took aim at the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what it termed an inappropriate “gloating” over the investigation into Okowa’s administration. The party labelled the APC’s anti-corruption rhetoric a “bogus exercise in deception,” accusing the ruling party of hypocrisy in light of recent scandals surrounding its national leadership. “The APC’s national leadership is currently embroiled in scandalous dollar racketeering,” the PDP stated, alleging that the ruling party has weaponised the anti-corruption campaign in an effort to dismantle political opposition and forge a one-party state in Nigeria.
Okowa’s Lasting Legacy
In its statement, the PDP highlighted the notable achievements of Okowa’s tenure as governor, pointing to numerous infrastructural, educational, healthcare, and empowerment programmes that have left a lasting impact on Delta State.
- Infrastructure: The PDP commended the completion of major projects, including the civil service secretariat, the Maryam Babangida Film Village, the Stephen Keshi Memorial Stadium, and the Ogheye Floating Market.
- Education: The establishment of three state-owned universities in Ozoro, Agbor, and Asaba, was also praised as a significant step towards enhancing educational access in the state.
- Road Network: Okowa’s expansive road construction projects across Delta earned him the title of “Road Master,” with thousands of kilometres of roads transforming the state’s infrastructure.
- Healthcare: The PDP lauded the renovation and modernisation of hospitals and primary healthcare centres, which bolstered the state’s healthcare system.
- Empowerment: The party also highlighted various empowerment programmes designed to enhance the livelihoods of the state’s residents and support economic growth.
Despite the current challenges, the PDP expressed confidence that Okowa’s legacy would continue to be appreciated by Deltans and Nigerians. “We urge all Deltans and supporters to remain calm, law-abiding, and hopeful as Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa navigates these politically motivated trials and emerges stronger,” Okorodudu said. “History will vindicate him, as it always does with those who serve with honour.”
In closing, the PDP urged the public to remain steadfast in support of Okowa, whose contributions to Delta State’s development, the party believes, will endure far beyond the present political climate.
