Comrade Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed support for the recent arrest of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraud.
However, Frank urged the EFCC to adopt a more comprehensive approach by investigating and prosecuting other former governors, particularly those in the G-5 Governors group, who also face corruption allegations.
In a statement released in Abuja, Frank welcomed the arrest, describing it as a significant step towards holding public officials accountable for financial mismanagement, particularly regarding allegations that Okowa misappropriated N1.3 trillion in Delta State’s derivation funds.
Calls for Equal Treatment of G-5 Governors
Frank, however, warned that while he supports the EFCC’s efforts to tackle corruption, he would not condone what he perceives as a politically motivated, selective prosecution of Okowa due to his membership in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Frank called for an equal application of justice, particularly in the case of the G-5 Governors—Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and others—who have been accused of financial improprieties but have not yet faced prosecution.
“These governors supported President Tinubu’s 2023 Presidential bid and are not immune from the law,” Frank stated. “It is essential that the EFCC investigates and prosecutes all allegations against them, including the G-5 Governors who are believed to have committed various financial misdeeds.”
Frank pointed out that there have been petitions against these governors, particularly from within the PDP, and raised concerns that political deals made during the 2023 election might be influencing the EFCC’s reluctance to take action against them.
Challenges to the EFCC’s Alleged Bias
The former APC official also cited intelligence from sources suggesting that the presidency may have issued instructions to the EFCC not to pursue cases against the G-5 governors as part of a political compromise following the 2023 elections.
He challenged the EFCC to prove these claims wrong by taking action on the various corruption petitions against the G-5 Governors, including one presented by Abia State Governor Alex Otti against ex-Governor Ikpeazu, which he claimed has not been acted upon.
Frank also called attention to other allegations of corruption involving officials in President Tinubu’s administration, particularly Minister of Works David Umahi and Minister of State for Defence Mohammed Bello Matawale, urging that these cases also be investigated.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Frank emphasized that to maintain public trust in the fight against corruption, the EFCC must demonstrate impartiality and transparency in its investigations and prosecutions. “Failing to arrest and prosecute other former governors who were Okowa’s contemporaries, as well as officials in Tinubu’s administration, would undermine the legitimacy of Okowa’s arrest and create the perception of selective justice,” Frank said.
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He warned that if the EFCC does not act on the petitions against the G-5 governors and other key figures, he would report the issue to international partners, including the UK and US, potentially jeopardizing Nigeria’s cooperation with global anti-corruption efforts.
Frank concluded by stating that if the EFCC cannot demonstrate a genuine commitment to fighting corruption impartially, Okowa should be released.
He called for an investigation into all corruption cases, regardless of political affiliation, and for the EFCC to act according to international best practices to restore public confidence in its work.
“The EFCC must investigate and prosecute all corruption cases without bias.
Only through a comprehensive, fair, and transparent approach can the EFCC truly serve the Nigerian people and uphold justice,” Frank said.