Awani Declares: Singling out ex-governor Okowa for alleged corruption, can be seen as political vindictiveness

Former Itsekiri youth leader and popular grassroots mobilizer, Barr. Esimaje Vincent Awani, has reacted to the reported arrest of immediate past Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, saying: “Selective justice is indeed a threat to the rule of law and singling out former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from other alleged corrupt governors in Nigeria, can be seen as political vindictiveness.”

Barr. Awani, in an electronic statement made exclusively to Fresh Angle International this morning, said selective justice, “undermines the public's trust in the justice system and creates an impression that some individuals are above the law.”

He asserted: “In a society where selective justice prevails, the powerful and influential often escape accountability, while others are unfairly targeted. This not only perpetuates inequality but also hinders the pursuit of true justice. As Martin Luther King Jr. aptly put it, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" 

“The issue of selective justice is not unique to Nigeria, as it's a global phenomenon. Even international organizations like the International Criminal Court (ICC) have been criticized for their selective prosecution of cases. This highlights the need for a fair and impartial justice system that treats all individuals equally, regardless of their status, influence or political affiliation.

“In the context of Nigerian politics, targeting former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, while ignoring other alleged corrupt governors may be seen as a political strategy, rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. This approach can further polarize the political landscape and undermine efforts to address corruption. 

Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa 

“The issue of selective justice in Nigeria is a pressing concern, particularly when it comes to high-profile cases. Take, for instance, the case of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was infamously caught on camera receiving bribes in dollar notes from contractors in 2018. Despite this, he has continued to move freely and even went on to become the chairman of the APC.

“The EFCC's history of being used as a political tool to harass opponents or protect allies undermines its credibility. Another instance, is former Governor Godswill Akpabio, the current Senate President, was a regular guest of the EFCC until he defected to the APC in 2019, after which the commission never invited him for questioning again and he’s now the number three citizen of Nigeria.

“To address these concerns, it's essential to promote transparency, accountability, and impartiality in the justice system. This can be achieved through:

“Strengthening institutions: Ensuring that law enforcement agencies and courts operate independently and fairly.

“Promoting transparency: Making the justice process more open and accessible to the public.

“Encouraging civic engagement: Empowering citizens to demand accountability from their leaders.

“It's therefore essential to recognize that the issue at hand isn't about declaring former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa guilty or innocent but rather about ensuring that the EFCC operates fairly and impartially. The Nigerian public deserves a transparent and accountable justice system that holds everyone to the same standards, regardless of their position or influence.”

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