News
CSO Coalition faults protest against Okowa at EFCC, insists ‘godfathers’ fighting back
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations condemned a protest against the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging that he that he misappropriated the sum of N1,077,450,286,552.77.
The Coalition which comprise of over 3,000 registered CSOs in a statement which was signed Dr. Onwubuya John Abraham Breakforth, National President of Global initiative for African Development (GIFAD) and two other executives of the Coalition lampooned at the former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark as being the brain behind the falsehood against the former governor and the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The Coalition urged the anti-graft agency to thread with caution the ongoing arrest of ex-governors stating that such exercise should not be driven by emotion, as Chief Edwin Clark has been notorious for blackmailing of governors who refused to service his political interest or recognize him as their political godfathers.
The Coalition explained its member organizations such as Global initiative for African Development (GIFAD), Integrity and Accountability Monitoring Awareness Initiative ( IAMAI), Greater People’s Centre (GPC), Socio- Economic and Accountability Reporteur (SEAR), Institute of Conflict Management (ICM) and others that operates in the Niger- Delta Region and had their offices in Asaba Delta State, have monitored projects embarked by Okowa-led administration and could attest that he did more than his predecessors in office.
The statement which was sent to CAPITAL POST on Tuesday in Abuja, explained that the allocation to Delta State harmonized under the DESOPADEC and was used for development, including construction and rehabilitation of access roads in rural areas across the State.
The statement reads: “Fortunately in respect of the 50% legally prescribed allocation to Delta State Oil producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) from the 13% Oil Derivation fund for rehabilitation and development of the Oil producing Areas in Delta State has been the primary focus and commitment of the immediate past governor of Delta State Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
“From 2015 to 2023, Delta State government has invested over N3.7 trillion naira into rural and urban infrastructural development and women and youth empowerment programme of the prosperity for all Deltans.
“Hence, this is a far cry from the N1.077 trillion as well as it is unpatriotic and a detraction of good governance in Delta State. If chief EK Clark and enemies of Deltans are accusing Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, so where did he get over 3.7 trillion he invested through DESOPADEC for the grassroots development and rehabilitation of projects in Oil Producing Areas of Delta State.”
The Coalition declared that a petition to the EFCC by Edwin Clark and the protest by some unpatriotic elements who were mischievously sponsored on Monday against the former governor was unfortunate, misguided and politically motivated.
They throw their weight behind the former Commissioner of Information in Delta State, Charles Aniagwu when he said Chief Edwin Clark and his co-travellers have progressed in error.
Charles Aniagwu was quoted to have said: “It is unacceptable, as Edwin Clark was speaking nonsense. That Chief EK Clark did not know that he was speaking. We were quick to conclude that the elder statesman who supposed to be a father, and promoter of peace in the Delta is under manipulation by some perceived enemies of the State against Dr. Okowa to cause embarrassment and drag the good name of the immediate past Governor to ridicule and rubbish his good deeds for Deltans for the past 8 years.”
The Coalition recalled with regret that this has been the habit of the elder statesman from the time of Chief James Ibori, ex-Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan and now Ifeanyi Okowa, stressing that his advance age placed a demand on him to play a role of bridge building and should not allow himself to be manipulated.
They appeal to well meaning Deltans and Nigerians and the EFCC not to allow themselves get carried away by the antics of Edwin Clark, which advising the octogenarian to promote peace and harmony among political leaders in Delta State.
The President of the Nigerian Senate Godswill Obot Akpabio said, he will not be distracted by the baseless allegation and antics of Elisha Abbo who formerly represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Senate, stating that it was unfortunate that the ex-lawmaker has started another round of malicious campaign against him.
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, declaring that Elisha Abbo’s outbursts are those of a failed politician who fraudulently represented Adamawa North Senatorial District before the Court intervention cleared him out of way.
Akpabio through his aide was reacting to Elisha Abbo’s blame on Akpabio, suggesting that he was responsible for his electoral woes in an interview he granted on Arise Television on Wednesday while he featured on politics today.
Part of the statement read: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to another round of spurious and malicious accusations by Mr. Elisha Abbo, who unlawfully represented Adamawa North Senatorial District save a judicial intervention.
“He has again sought to blame the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for the travail of his judicial sanction that occasioned his ouster from the Senate.”
Akpabio said he was perturbed the more over Elisha’s outburst on him over an issue he has regretted and apologized to him publicly in 2023—after admitting that his earlier accusation was “premature and based on the available information at his disposal.
He noted further that Abbo had once discussed with him last year and acknowledge that “he was not involved in the judicial process that led to his ouster from the Senate.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal, after a thorough legal process, ruled unequivocally that Mr. Abbo’s presence in the Red Chamber was in error. The court determined that he was not validly elected as the Senator for Adamawa North, and consequently, he was removed.
“The court acted in accordance with the extant laws and the Constitution within its sacred duty to uphold the rule of law. Senator Akpabio, a seasoned lawyer and democrat, holds the independence of the judiciary in the highest regard and would never interfere in its processes.”
Given that Abbo has exonerated him, Akpabio said he found it illogical and irresponsible for him to now turn around and heap blames on him.
“Mr. Abbo has also sought to create the impression that he was unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster. He claims entitlement to salaries, allowances, and even an official vehicle, despite the court’s declaration that his tenure was null and void ab initio.”
Akpabio noted that he has no executive fiat to approve finances, except such has been duly vetted and forwarded to him by the appropriate administrative units in line with the public finance guidelines.
If any of Mr. Abbo’s claims for payment did not reach the desk of the Senate President, it is because they failed to meet these lawful standards—not because of any personal or political vendetta.
It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political failings, Mr. Abbo continues to resort to media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing. Even more telling is his record of public conduct. Nigerians will recall that in 2019, he was caught on video assaulting a female citizen in Abuja—an incident for which he was ordered by a competent court to pay N50 million in damages. This is a matter of public record and speaks volumes about his temperament and disposition.
His recent outbursts about unpaid travels and imagined plots further reinforce the conclusion that his actions are driven not by facts or principle, but by bitterness and desperation to remain politically relevant. These claims are not only baseless, but they reek of grievance and a refusal to accept personal responsibility for his removal and loss of public trust.
Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the noble task of nation-building, providing purposeful leadership in the Senate, and strengthening democratic institutions—especially the independence of the judiciary. He will not be distracted by the antics of individuals who seek to rewrite history to mask personal failures.
We urge Mr. Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents if he hopes to return to public life. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when its actors show maturity, responsibility, and an abiding respect for the truth.
Structured HQ Legal, (SHQ) has issued a public notice warning against any transactions involving the buying, selling, leasing, or letting of the Hampton Harbour landed property.
The landed property measuring at 19.5 hectares is located at Elegushi Royal Family Land, Ikate Ancient City, Eti Osa, Local Government Area, Lagos State with reference number 376/376/2777GC and belongs to the Baggeren International Company.
In an official press statement issued to the news men, the firm disclosed that the property is currently under legal scrutiny, cautioning that any individual or entity engaging in transactions related to Hampton Harbour does so at their own risk. They also emphasized that unauthorized dealings could lead to significant financial loss and expose parties involved to legal consequences.
SHQ further noted that any person(s) who proceeds with any dealings in relation to the Hampton Harbour property risks both financial loss and potential legal actions noting that such transactions may result in criminal and civil liabilities for trespass or fraud.
The public is strongly advised to exercise caution and ensure due diligence before engaging in any transactions concerning Hampton Harbour. Prospective buyers, investors, or stakeholders must seek formal confirmation and approval from Structured HQ Legal or Baggeren International Company Limited to avoid financial and legal risks.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Thursday said, requirements for recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District were lacking in the petition.
In a statement to update circumstances surrounding a purported petition against Natasha, the INEC said, it has rejected the petition.
The Commission said, Natasha is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and there are requirements to recall her or any other Senator, but it cannot consider the petitions that lack merits.
Earlier the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, acknowledged receipt of petition against the embattled lawmaker from her constituents after submitting it to the INEC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District was the former Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Contents, but was suspended from the Senate over alleged breach of Senate Standing Rules.
Natasha disclosed that she has approached the Court to quash her suspension which she claimed was illegal.
According to the petitioners, over 250,000 constituents’ signed the petition, out of about 480,000 registered voters in the senatorial district.
The petition was titled Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’.
In a brief statement on Thursday, the Commission said, “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
The female lawmaker also on Tuesday defied ban by Kogi State Government and visited her Senatorial District in what she said, was a Sallah visit to felicitate with those who gave her their mandate.
-
Security6 days agoNew Commissioner of Police in Niger, Elleman sends strong warning to criminals
-
News5 days agoAbia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
-
News6 days agoKogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo salutes Tinubu at 74
-
News4 days agoKogi government bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s homecoming slated for Tuesday
-
News6 days agoPlateau LP stakeholders endorses Barr Gyang Zi’s defection to APC
-
News6 days agoAkpabio pays historic visit to office of SA to President on Senate Matters
-
News4 days agoIran may secure a deal before Trump’s deadline – or face Israeli strikes in Tehran – analysis
-
Business6 days agoFCT Minister reveals how he would aggressively pursue revenue collection, tours infrastructure