By Sunday Apah
The Urhobo Youth Leaders Association has strongly condemned what they termed as ‘illegal detention’ of former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), characterizing it as an act of political witch hunt.
In a press statement signed by Urhobo youth leaders Association National President, Olorogun Amb. Samuel Oghotomo and the UYLA Secretary General, Olorogun Dr. Augustine Atiti, the association emphasized that Okowa’s eight years in office brought significant development to Urhobo and the state as a whole.
The statement asserted, “Okowa stood for equity and managed state finances prudently. His exemplary leadership and support for his successor are the reasons Delta State is currently experiencing masive rapid and extensive developmental transformations.”
“We believe that his recent detention by the EFCC is orchestrated by political adversaries whose aim is to silence him ahead of the 2027 elections. As elections approach, political actors often fabricate allegations against their perceived opponents.”
“Okowa left office nearly two years ago; why are these unfounded embezzlement allegations surfacing now? This is a strategy by the opposition party, both at the state and national levels, to witch-hunt and destabilize the Delta State PDP and clear a path for their own interests in 2027.”
It is customary for public officials to be called upon to clarify their actions during their tenure. Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, being an honorable and law-abiding citizen, traveled from Europe to Port Harcourt to honor the EFCC’s invitation, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and integrity.
“The APC cabal behind this invitation should focus on apprehending their members in Kogi who have evaded arrest, rather than pursuing Okowa, who voluntarily responded to the anti-graft body’s invitation. No amount of APC intimidation will sway Okowa.”
The Urhobo Youth Leaders Association urges the EFCC to resist being manipulated by unscrupulous politicians intent on witch-hunting those who have committed no wrongdoing, and to refrain from frivolous allegations and media character assassination campaigns.
The association warns that the EFCC must operate within the bounds of the law. Any attempt to twist the law to humiliate and intimidate Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa will be met with strong resistance from the people of Delta State.
