The Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Timothy Osadolor, has berated the Economic and Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC) over the detention of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Osadolor, who spoke at a press briefing in Abuja, on Tuesday (today, November 5), expressed concern that Okowa was detained by the EFCC at its Port Harcourt office, when the former Governor honoured the invitation of the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC reportedly detained Okowa, who was the PDP vice presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Monday over its investigation into alleged mismanagement of Delta State’s finances under the immediate past Okowa Administration.
However, the PDP Deputy Youth Leader said it is shocking that while some serving federal government officials, who are alleged to have corruption cases are moving about freely, the EFCC appears only keen on going after key opposition figures.
“Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was a running mate to former President Atiku Abubakar in the last presidential election and he was walking free until former Vice President Atiku Abubakar shredded the economic policies of President Tinubu.
“It is surprising that a man who came to the EFCC office himself was detained and till now, he is still under detention. The man was not avoiding arrest, the man is a global figure and is roped around humongous figures which is not true. The Delta State government has not said that its money is missing.
“EFCC Port Harcourt and EFCC Abuja are playing both the role of a litigant and also that of the prosecution and going to the media with an investigation that was purportedly ongoing. The development is very dangerous and we must condemn it,” Osadolor said.
Osadolor noted that the EFCC must be neutral and not see itself as an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) or the Presidency.
He added: “Governor Okowa should be released, media trials and embarrassment of opposition leaders must stop. We should also know that there is a pattern, from the arrest of Okowa, by next week they will go after Gov. Obaseki. This is a plan targeted at opposition leaders in this country. We are not saying that political office leaders should not be called to account but it should be devoid of political sentiments.”
Follow us on all social media platforms @dailyquery
