Former Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has responded to the allegations made by Chief Edwin Clark concerning the developments in Delta state. In a statement issued on Thursday in Asaba, Okowa addressed Clark’s claims of mismanagement of funds, stating that it has become a recurring pattern for Clark to target ex-governors once they leave office. Represented by his spokesman, Mr Olisah Ifeajika, Okowa expressed his concern over Clark’s repetitive revisiting of issues that have already been addressed.
Okowa emphasized that Clark’s actions are unwarranted, especially considering the exemplary performance of his administration. Responding to the allegations of misappropriation of funds, Okowa clarified that the N150 billion in question was not a loan but a bridging finance intended for oil-producing states, separate from the Federal Allocation Committee (FAC) or derivation funds. He further explained that the budget of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) is approved by the state assembly.
Regarding the issue of betrayal during the last general election, Okowa stated that his decision to accept the position of running mate to Atiku Abubakar was based on the report of the PDP committees, which recommended an open competition, particularly in light of a mediocre candidate from the opposition APC. Okowa highlighted that there was no opposition to his selection as Atiku’s running mate following the party primary. He also refuted claims of owning a bank, asserting that Clark’s repeated demands for explanations were unfounded.