Emerald Media/Asaba/21/10/2025
A fresh wave of pressure has been mounted on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as oil-producing communities in Delta State have issued an open letter demanding action over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion in 13% oil derivation funds by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
The letter, signed by Chief (Comrade) Mulade B. Sheriff, PhD, a traditional leader and rights activist from the Gbaramatu Kingdom, accuses the EFCC of silence and inaction nearly a year after Okowa was reportedly arrested by the anti-graft agency’s Port Harcourt office in November 2024.
According to the letter, the missing funds were part of the constitutionally guaranteed 13% oil derivation revenue meant for the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). The communities claim that Okowa, through legal manipulation and use of holding accounts, diverted over N1.3 trillion that should have been used for infrastructure, environmental remediation, and compensation in oil-bearing communities.
The statement also alleges that the former governor diverted an additional N40 billion to acquire equity in a major Nigerian bank and participate in the offshore UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas project.
Community representatives say they had formally petitioned the EFCC in June 2023 during a protest at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The protest featured leaders from major ethnic groups in Delta State, including the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ndokwa, Urhobo, and Isoko nations.
The open letter highlights that despite Okowa’s arrest and the public outcry, there has been no visible progress or public update from the EFCC, raising fears that political interference may be undermining justice.
“We ask, is it now a slogan that when you join the APC, your sins are forgiven?” the letter questioned, alluding to speculation that the case has stalled due to political alignment by the current state governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Quoting Olorogun Stephen K. Dieseruvwe, a Delta-born political activist in the UK, the letter states that governors have no legal right to withhold or redirect funds meant for DESOPADEC. “It is unjust and inhuman to deprive oil-producing communities of their rightful entitlement,” the quote reads.
The author of the letter called on EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede to emulate the leadership of former EFCC Chairman Nuhu Ribadu, urging swift and transparent investigation into the alleged misappropriation.
The letter ends with a stern warning: “The world is watching. This is a wake-up call to the EFCC to act. A stitch in time saves nine.”
As of press time, the EFCC has not responded publicly to the renewed call for action.
Background:
The 13% oil derivation fund is a constitutional entitlement for oil-producing states in Nigeria, designed to address environmental degradation and underdevelopment caused by oil exploration.
DESOPADEC is a state-run commission created to administer a portion of these funds specifically for oil-bearing communities in Delta State.
Allegations of misappropriation of derivation funds have long been a source of tension between communities and state governments in the Niger Delta.
Public Reactions:
Public commentary across social media has been swift, with many Nigerians echoing the concerns raised in the letter, particularly about perceived political interference in anti-corruption efforts.
Observers now await a formal statement or update from the EFCC on the status of investigations into the alleged diversion.
