BY ISAN ISIOMA CARLOS
The member representing Ika South Local Government at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Festus Okoh has advised Deltans not to succumb to the level of criticizing the tenure of the immediate past Governor, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa as a result of his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The lawmaker, in his press statement, said he was not surprised with the ongoing invitation of Sen Okowa, whom he said is a well-meaning Nigeria and can be investigated like any other citizen, but urged them not to be in haste to condemn the former governor who is still under investigation.
According to him, “I know many will be amazed that I was not taken aback by the EFCC investigation, invitation and subsequent detention of Sen Okowa, the immediate past governor of Delta State.
‘’My worry is the media frenzy and public trial. It’s most disheartening that the anti-graft agency is leading the frenzy by hasty conclusion even when the investigation is ongoing.
‘’Sen Okowa will not be surprised with his momentary travails as it has become the norm for political office-holders to be hounded by the federal government agencies on exit from office. The list of victims of this infamous modus operandi is long.
‘’While hoping that the EFCC resist external interferences in its investigation of the issues, I appeal to Deltans irrespective of partisan leanings to show restraint in their commentaries.
‘’Without a doubt, Sen Okowa served Delta State with verifiable imprints scattered throughout the length and breadth of the state. I further appeal to the people of Ika to resist vestige plans aimed at luring us into political conflict. Instead, we should continue to oil the machinery to entrench lasting peace and mutual co-existence.
‘’Finally, I join the family of the immediate past governor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pray for the safety and triumph of Sen Okowa in this needless travails “ he said.
