The Delta State Government has responded to a story published by a publication; Exclusive Magazine which stated that the “Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa doled out N14 million to his Political Aides to celebrate Easter.”

In a statement signed by Mr Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okowa, the state government denied the story, calling it an “unfounded report.”

The statement made it clear that, “neither the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, nor the State Government that he heads released any money to Political Aides for the purpose of any celebration.”

“It is common knowledge in the state,” it continued, “that the Governor has been saddled with the responsibility of stabilising the government while also making frantic efforts to provide infrastructure such as roads, hospitals rehabilitation, markets as well as rehabilitation of Technical and Primary Schools spread across the state even in the face of strangulating economic conditions.

“Since assumption of office, the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa Administration has never owed workers salaries despite the challenging economic situation where many states are owing several months salaries.

“Governor Okowa has managed the economy of the state creditably well to the extent that he has only embarked on only one foreign trip at the instance of the United Nations since his assumption of office.”

The statement also frowned at Exclusive Magazine’s report that salaries have been delayed since Okowa came into office.

“It is important to let the public know that salaries are only paid after FAAC Meetings which hitherto used to hold mid months but now moved to month end since the Buhari Administration came into office.

“Governor Okowa has never failed to assure workers in the state that payment of their salaries is top priority and has always ensured they are paid as at when due. It is therefore out of place for any worker to complain that he failed to celebrate Easter because government failed to pay their salaries when the month has not ended.

“Governor Okowa has never failed to acknowledge the continued support of Deltans who have never failed to encourage him to keep faith with his 'prosperity for all Deltans’ policy.”

•Photo shows Gov. Okowa.