Aminat Gusanu
Immediate-past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has tackled Niger Delta elderstasteman, Chief Edwin Clark over the allegation of embezzlement if N1 trillion
Okowa stated this in a statement issued on Thursday in Asaba, by his spokesman, Mr Olisah Ifeajika, saying that it had become a recurring pattern for Clark to undermine former governors once they exit office.
He emphasized that revisiting already addressed issues was unnecessary and counterproductive.
According to him, Okowa, known for his exceptional performance as governor, found such an action as unsavory and detrimental.
Reacting to the allegation of misusing funds for Atiku’s election and embezzling the state’s 13 per cent derivation fund, Okowa described the claims as unfounded.
He clarified that the sum of N150 billion was not a loan, but rather bridging finance designated for oil-producing states, not directly from the Federation Account or derivation funds as alleged by clark.
Okowa added that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOOADEC budget had been approved by the state assembly.
He said,“the money is #270 billion, the Federal Government agreed to pay instalmentally in five years. Delta, after getting clearance from the state assembly, used its own to defray pension arrears close to N60 billion and other projects. Instead of waiting for the five years to assess the money, the state went to borrow #91 billion.”
On the aspect of betrayal during the last general election, the statement read that Okowa accepted to be the running mate to Atiku Abubakar based on the PDP committee’s report that threw the competition open especially when a mediocre was coming up to compete with APC candidates.
“Even after the party primary and Atiku picked Okowa, there was no opposition to Okowa’s choice from anybody. Okowa has said he does not own a bank. Surprisingly the matter is still coming up. Clark does not own Delta state to start demanding for explanation” he added.
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