At the House of Representatives adhoc Committee on “Assessment and Status of all Recovered loots, movable and immovable Assets from 2002 to 2020 by Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for Effective and Efficient management and utilization”, the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris told members of the Committee/Nigerians that the much talked about 4.2 million Pounds allegedly siphoned by former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, that was recently recovered, have been paid into Delta State Government account. This step is commendable.
Indeed, we of the Delta APC want to appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari for making sure that what was looted from Delta State was brought back to the State for its development. We are indeed grateful Mr. President for the fatherly disposition used in handling the circumstances/issues surrounding the recovery and the return of same to Delta State.
It is a known fact that PDP led-Government and its handlers’ maladministration and glutonic propensity to covet what belongs to Deltans, to themselves put the State at the state of squalor it is today, compares to some States in Nigeria of today who receive lesser amount of monies from the Federation Account! There is no gainsaying the fact that the spirit of rapacity still exists in some government officials in the State.
For the sake of our dear State, we call on the State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, not to allow this economic lifeline (monies) to go the way of the past. Deltans want to see positive changes in their lives.
Delta APC charges the Governor to be transparent in handling this recovered money, and other monies accruing to the State. As a matter of fact, we urge the governor to tie this money to specific projects in the State. This will in no small measure bring joy to Deltans whenever they see the projects this money is used for.
Though, there is palpable fear by Deltans that the returned money is likely to be re-looted by those in Government of Delta State! This fear is not unconnected with the fact that Deltans are always at the receiving end of PDP led-Government bad leadership style in the State, to wit; looting without consciences. To allay this fear, PDP led-Government should be patriotic for once in its acts of governance.
Delta APC notes that in view of the happenings in the State, the yearnings of Deltans should not be brushed aside. On the other hand, the party calls on all Deltans to be at alert, and ask questions with follow up actions on how what belongs to the State is expended by the Okowa led-Government.
Sylvester Imonina, Esq.,
Publicity Secretary (Caretaker) APC Delta State.
25th May, 2021.