Trouble brews in Delta as governor's brother is accused of slapping secretary to the state government

DELTA State governor Ifeanyi Okowa is facing a controversy after allegations that his younger brother Tony slapped the face of the secretary to the state government Festus Agas over his delay in treating official files.

According to reports from Asaba, the Delta State capital, Tony Okowa stormed the office of the secretary to the state government (SSG) last week where he had an altercation with Mr Agas. Incensed about the fact that several files which he had submitted to the state government were not looked at, he then slapped Mr Agas across the face over his negligence.

Sources said Tony Okowa, the chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission had gone to the SSG’s office to demand why he had not treated the files he considered to be very urgent. Attempts by the Delta State government to deny the incident appear to have failed as it has continued to generate reactions from critical stakeholders in the state, particularly those considered to be loyal to the SSG.

One eyewitness said: “Tony Okowa, stormed the office in anger. We were in the office when we heard him shouting on why his files were not treated with the urgency that it required and all attempts by the SSG to explain met a brick wall as both of them were shouting and the next thing we heard was slaps on the face of SSG.

"If not for our intervention, Tony Okowa would have used chairs and other objects to break his head. We were shocked when we started hearing the heated argument from the SSG’s office.”

However, Fred Oghenesivbe the executive assistant to the governor on communications, denied the incident. He said: “It is certainly not true that the SSG, Agas fought with Tony Okowa, that is complete falsehood and black propaganda.”

Tony Okowa added: “I went to see the SSG actually over some official matters and he asked me to wait but I over waited. Frankly speaking, I was not happy for waiting for so long and didn’t get to fix the pressing official matter that took me to his office.

"I expressed my displeasure and I left the SSG’s office. I expected a better reception and attention which was not forthcoming, that is all I can say.”

Chief Joe Omene, the president of the Urhobo Progress Union, said the slapping of Mr Agas by Tony Okowa confirmed his earlier claim that the Urhobos in Okowa’s government are nothing more than errand boys. He added that it serves Mr Agas right for betraying the Urhobo nation in the 2015 elections.