The Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs. Joy Enwa,
has denied any wrongdoing following her arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriating N1.3 trillion linked to the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The EFCC confirmed her detention as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct, which reportedly involves funds from the 13 percent derivation allocation for oil-producing states.

Just before her arrest, Mrs. Enwa described the allegations as politically motivated, stating, “I have always carried out my duties with transparency and accountability. This is an attempt to tarnish my reputation because of my position in the previous administration.”
Supporters of Mrs. Enwa have suggested that the probe may be part of a larger political agenda to discredit officials linked to the Okowa administration. A senior Delta State official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, “The timing of this investigation raises questions. Why are these allegations surfacing now, months after the transition to a new government?”
Mrs. Enwa, who served as deputy Accountant General under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan before her appointment in 2020, had previously faced questions over a N369 million fraud case in 2015. However, she was cleared of wrongdoing after an internal investigation.

When asked about her earlier controversies, Mrs. Enwa responded, “I have faced baseless accusations before and emerged innocent. I trust the EFCC to conduct a fair investigation this time as well.”
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Mrs. Enwa’s arrest was part of standard investigative procedures and emphasized that no conclusions had been reached yet.

“We are committed to due process. The investigation is ongoing, and we urge the public to allow the law to take its course,” he stated.
Mixed reactions have trailed the arrest. While anti-corruption advocates have praised the EFCC’s efforts to promote accountability, supporters of Mrs. Enwa have expressed concerns about political witch-hunts.

“It’s unfortunate that competent public servants are sometimes caught in political crossfires,” said a former Delta State commissioner.
The EFCC has indicated that more officials may be invited for questioning as investigations proceed. Meanwhile, Mrs. Enwa’s legal team has expressed confidence in clearing her name, urging the public to refrain from rushing to judgment.

Mrs. Enwa remains in EFCC custody as investigations continue.

Chief Edwin K. Clark, the National Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the deplorable state of roads in the South-South region as part of the 2025 budget.

In an open letter, Chief Clark described the dire conditions of critical road networks in the region, emphasizing their impact on the lives of citizens and the economy of the nation.
He stressed that the South-South region, which remains the country’s primary revenue base due to its oil production, has been unfairly neglected despite its contributions.

He highlighted several roads in disrepair to include Benin-Auchi Road where Travel time has increased from 2½ hours to over 7 hours, Sapele-Warri Road that is a short 30-minute journey but now takes more than 2 hours.
Others are the Uyo-Itu-Calabar Road, a 90-kilometer trip that once took less than 2 hours now stretches to over 6 hours and Port Harcourt-Owerri Road which Travel time has doubled to 4 hours.

Clark also decried the slow progress on the East-West Road, a vital artery connecting the region, stating that contractors lack the capacity to handle its unique terrain.

“It is unimaginable that a region producing billions in revenue daily is burdened by impassable roads,” he said, pointing out that repairing these roads would require less than a week’s worth of the region’s oil production revenue.

Chief Clark appealed to the President to prioritize the Niger Delta, declaring the state of roads an emergency and allocating significant resources in the 2025 budget to address the issue.

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate fairness and write your name in gold in the annals of Nigeria’s history,” Clark concluded, urging swift action to end the suffering of the people of the South-South.

The letter came as the region continues to grapple with environmental damage and infrastructural neglect despite its pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria’s economy.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the foremost socio-political body of the South-South region, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to release Rivers State’s statutory allocation.

During a media interaction at Uyo Airport on Saturday, PANDEF’s newly appointed National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, expressed his satisfaction with the President’s move, describing it as a commendable and statesmanlike decision.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by PANDEF Spokesman,Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini and was made available to the Guardian innAbuja
The statement quoted Ambassador Igali to have stressed that the action would bring much-needed relief not only to the people of Rivers State but also to Nigeria as a whole.

Ambassador Igali further emphasized that this decision would shield the citizens of Rivers State from suffering due to the ongoing political conflict within the state’s leadership.
He expressed hope that the President’s action would complement the ongoing peace efforts led by the Obong Victor Attah-led High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which was recently set up by PANDEF.

The PANDEF leader also called on all political figures, youth, and women’s groups in Rivers State to embrace peace, follow the example set by the federal government, and support the reconciliation process being spearheaded by the region’s elders.

PANDEF reiterated its commitment to fostering peace and unity across the Niger Delta region, emphasizing that collaboration among political leaders is essential to the region’s progress and stability.
The PANDEF leader again called on all political actors and leaders in Rivers State as well as youth and women groups to sheath the sword and follow the step taken by the federal government in de-escalating tension while the reconciliation effort by the elders of the region is ongoing.