…Okowa joins Governor Oborevwori and top Delta dignitaries at memorial service for Godwill Obielum’s mother.
…Pastor Ogude urges reflection on life’s purpose at well-attended Asaba service honoring late Mrs. Obielum.
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa made his first public appearance since his recent release, attending a service of songs in Asaba for Mrs. Victoria Ossai Obielum, mother of politician Godwill Obielum.
Okowa, released after his arrest over alleged financial misconduct, joined Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, PDP Delta Chairman Solomon Arenyenka, and numerous political figures and dignitaries.
In a sermon, Pastor Ifeanyi Ogude encouraged attendees to live with purpose and leave lasting legacies, highlighting the transience of life.
Mrs. Obielum, aged 87, will be laid to rest on November 16 in Ndokwa East.
Okowa was arrested on November 4, 2024, by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of mismanaging approximately N1.3 trillion.
The charges involve suspected misuse of the 13% oil derivation funds allocated to Delta State from 2015 to 2023, meant to benefit oil-producing regions. It’s alleged that Okowa failed to account for these funds and may have diverted around N40 billion toward purchasing shares in the UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas project.
Additionally, Okowa is accused of acquiring properties in Abuja and Asaba with public funds. After his arrest, he was detained by the EFCC in Port Harcourt but was subsequently released, reportedly after surrendering his passport, a condition set by the EFCC for his temporary release.
This case has drawn significant attention, as Okowa also ran as the vice-presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party in the 2023 election.
