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EFCC Claims Ex-Governor Okowa's N1.3trillion Probe Ongoing Despite Defection To APC.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied allegations that it is providing a cover for a former Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, after he defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okowa was arrested by the EFCC in November 2024 over the massive fraud allegation but has since enjoyed a conspicuous silence from the agency after joining the ruling party.

The anti-graft agency, in a desperate attempt to salvage its fast-eroding credibility, insisted that its investigation into Okowa for the alleged looting of a staggering N1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds is still "active."

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the clarification through his Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), during a press briefing to mark his second anniversary in office on Wednesday.

This comes after widespread public outcry and accusations from Nigerians that the commission had developed a sudden loss of memory regarding Okowa's case following his high-profile defection to the APC in April 2025 alongside his successor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

Okowa was arrested by the EFCC in November 2024 over the massive fraud allegation but has since enjoyed a conspicuous silence from the agency after joining the ruling party. Pushing back against the mounting criticism, Tahir claimed the agency operates without political bias.

“Someone asked the question that it is alleged that politicians who jump ship to the ruling party are shielded. The simple answer is that it’s not true,” Tahir stated.

“I think the reference was made to the case of a former governor of Delta State. To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served,” he added, offering no timeline for when the long-drawn "investigation" would conclude.

Tahir defended the agency's slow pace, arguing that they prefer a "thorough job" to avoid the embarrassment of rushed cases that fall apart in court.

“We have had situations where cases were rushed to court, and the outcomes were not always good. So we would like to do a thorough job. When we go to court, Nigerians will see what the case is all about,” he said.

He further insisted that “there’s no attempt or intention anywhere to shield anybody on account of switching parties, certainly not under this chairman,” a statement that contrasts sharply with the public's perception of the EFCC's record under the current administration.

Addressing the lack of high-profile convictions, a key stain on the commission's record, Tahir claimed that "crime is crime," and that prosecuting powerful figures like governors is "not a tea party."

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has said that Nigeria’s future could face serious setbacks if President Bola Tinubu fails to deliver on his promises, warning that such failure would make it harder for any subsequent leader to succeed.

Speaking during an interview with TVC on Tuesday, Sani said Tinubu has a “historic opportunity” to redefine Nigeria’s trajectory, stressing that the country is at a turning point that requires bold and visionary leadership.

According to him, Nigeria’s politics has become toxic and divisive because political actors treat their opponents as enemies instead of partners in nation-building.

“Our politics is so toxic and hostile that those in government see the opposition as enemies, while those outside power see the government as an enemy. When you have such combative politics, the country will continue to go down the drain.”

The former lawmaker decried the country’s culture of endless politicking, noting that it hinders effective governance.

“In Nigeria, we only stop talking about elections in the first year after voting,” he said.
“From the second year, the next campaign begins. That’s why 80 percent of every administration’s four-year term is spent preparing for another election.”

Sani also weighed in on the proposal for a single six-year presidential term, saying it could allow leaders more time to govern but warned that the idea might be misinterpreted as an attempt to prolong a president’s stay in office.

He urged President Tinubu to prioritise merit and competence in his appointments rather than political affiliations.. “The standard he set in Lagos, where he brought the best people to lead, must now be applied nationwide. If you have someone with a brilliant mind who can redeem the economy, you must consider what he offers, not his political leaning.”

Sani further stressed that Tinubu has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s destiny and must act with a long-term vision. “It is incumbent on the president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to know that he has the unique opportunity as a leader to reset, reshape and reconfigure the destiny and future of this country.

“And to do that, he should not mind the fallout because at the end of the day, he should think of what becomes of Nigeria in the next 20 to 30 years.

“Those in power today are in their 60s and 70s. By 2040, many of them will be gone. What future are we leaving for the younger generation? “If President Bola Tinubu fails, I don’t think it will be easy for any other president to succeed.”

The ex-senator likened Tinubu’s challenge to that faced by reformist leaders in countries like Singapore and China, who implemented difficult but transformative policies that later spurred development.

“There is no perfect country in the world. None started perfectly. If you look at the United States over the past 100 years, it’s not much different from where we are today in terms of challenges,” he said. “No country dropped from heaven. China, Singapore, Indonesia; they all paid the price for progress.”

Sani concluded by urging Nigeria to make bold choices now or risk being trapped in mediocrity for decades. “There is no perfect country in the world, but if we don’t do what needs to be done now, we’ll still be complaining 25 years from today,” he added.

Mrfeel:
When a tableshaker meets an earthshaker ,lol that earthquake will eventually break that table......

Validated:
FG, Senate leadership should spare Nigerians this bullshit of a jamboree. Where the killers of Deborah?....

bigpicture001:
You know Nigeria too much my man...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbN61OqKaaA?si=L59UBKa9QD66OL-_

What’s The Interest Of Keeping Nnamdi Kanu In Prison? Analyst Questions

overall90:
Reno is broke and desperate and thinks that the fastest way to ingratiate himself with the ruling government is by abusing PO. And by the way,Reno has lied about everything so why would one believe him that this is about obidients.

Kushites:
This Mike whatever you call yourself, WHAT is your own problem?....