The detained Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Mr. Samuel Johnson Okpoko, has confessed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he collected the sum of N700 million from Fidelity Bank on the orders of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Although Okpoko is expected to be arraigned in court soon, the anti-graft agency may not summon the governor for questioning immediately due to the constitutional immunity he enjoys as a sitting governor.
However, officials explained that the immunity does not prevent the EFCC from probing the case. Vital evidence can still be gathered and preserved for possible prosecution once Governor Wike completes his tenure.
According to an EFCC source, Okpoko admitted that he collected the funds in two batches from the Trans Amadi branch of Fidelity Bank in Port Harcourt.
The source stated: “EFCC operatives interrogated the Rivers PDP Secretary, Samuel Johnson Okpoko, over his role in collecting N700 million from the controversial $115 million deposited with Fidelity Bank by former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
“Okpoko, who served as the state campaign coordinator for the PDP during the 2015 presidential election, withdrew the money in two instalments — N600 million and N100 million — from Fidelity Bank’s Trans Amadi branch in Port Harcourt. Investigations revealed he received N600 million on March 27, 2015, and another N100 million on March 31, 2015.”
Explaining his involvement, Okpoko allegedly told investigators that he was instructed by then PDP governorship candidate, Nyesom Wike, to pick up the funds.
The EFCC source quoted him as saying: “I was with my governor in his residence on March 27, 2015, when he received a phone call. After ending the call, Barrister Nyesom Wike informed me that the call was from Fidelity Bank and that they had some money for him.”
But Governor Wike’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, dismissed the claim, saying: “We are not aware of the issue you raised in your text message.”
He confirmed that Okpoko was already in EFCC custody and would soon be formally charged in court.
When asked about Governor Wike’s possible invitation, the EFCC source clarified: “Since the governor is protected under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, we cannot summon or interrogate him for now. His immunity shields him from such processes until he leaves office.
“This, however, does not stop the EFCC from investigating the matter, tracing the funds, and demanding refunds from beneficiaries where necessary.”
Section 308 of the Constitution states in part: “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution but subject to subsection 2 of this section— (a) no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office; (b) such a person shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period in pursuance of any process of any court or otherwise; and (c) no process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of such a person shall be applied for or issued.”
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