It was a surprise package for former Governor James Ibori, on Sunday, in his Oghara country home where friends, political associates and indeed the Oghara community converged to celebrate the ODIDIGBOIGBO of the universe at 66.
Notable personalities, including former Chief of Staff to the ex-Governor, Prof. G. G. Dara, one-time State Commissioner for Education, Prof Patrick Muoboghare, former Secretary of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB), Dr Henry Ofa, among others, graced the occasion.
The event provided an opportunity for the organizers to reflect on the legacies and indelible footprints of the former Governor in the areas of peace building, infrastructural and human capital development, and especially his relentless agitation for true federalism and resource control in the Niger Delta region.
In their separate remarks, Prof G. G. Dara, Prof Muoboghare, Prof Egelegbe, Dr Henry Ofa and the President General of the Oghara kingdom, described Chief Ibori as a highly celebrated statesman, a national asset, a heroe of the Niger Delta region and a doyen of democracy in Delta State, adding that the milestones recorded by the former Governor during his eight-year tenure would continue to resonate with the people.
They congratulated Chief Ibori on his birth anniversary, noting that he had remained relevant to the state and the nation on account of his strong influence, leadership sagacity, the friendships he build and his selfless service to the people of Delta State.
Responding, the celebrant thanked his family, friends and political associates for joining him to celebrate the faithfulness and grace of God in his life over the past 66 years.
Chief Ibori said though he had been through the rough side of life, he had remained resolute in his passion for the development of the state and the country,
The former Governor called on political gladiators in the state to shun politics of bitterness and rally round the sitting Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, to ensure the actualization of the MORE agenda of his administration.
On the state of the nation, Chief Ibori reiterated the necessity of true federalism and resource control in the country, as enshrined in section 162 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, stressing that the concentration of power at the center was largely instrumental in the myriad of problems facing the nation.
The occasion featured the presentation of gifts, Global Synergy Newspaper excellence award to the ex-Governor and the presentation of a book titled: “Power Broker: Top 100 Most Influential Politicians In Nigeria”, which includes Chief James Ibori.
ECHOES OF ALHAJA ANIKE IBILADUN ADEBAYO’S 90th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY