Sunday 16 April 2017

Delta monarch honours Ibori with a title



Prominent leaders including traditional rulers from Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State have paid a ‘thank you’ visit to a former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, for his continued support to the political advancement of Anioma clan.

Ibori was also honoured with the traditional title of Ezi-Oyi Anioma; which means the great and highly cherished friend of  the Anioma people, by a delegation led by the chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Obi Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor 11.

Speaking during the visit on Friday in Oghara, Ethiope-West Local Government Area of the state, the Obi of Owa kingdom, Efeizomor 11 particularly thanked Ibori for advancing the political cause of the Anioma people.

The traditional ruler stated that the visit by Ndi Anioma was to formally welcome the ex-governor back from the United Kingdom where he served jail terms for corruption charges. Efeizomor said the former governor was greatly missed by all Deltans while he was in prison custody, adding that his return would change the political landscape of the state ahead of the 2019 general elections.

He said, “We the royal fathers, our chiefs-in- council and all sons and daughters of Anioma, home and abroad, love you, your family, the good people of Urhobo in Delta Central as well as the good leadership qualities you have displayed over the years as Delta’s most celebrated political figure in the 21st century.

The news of the endorsement of our cherished illustrious son and governor of Delta State, His Excellency Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa by your humble self and the good people of Delta Central for a second term came to us as a soothing balm.’’
He also urged Ibori to see his travails in London as a sacrifice towards deepening democracy in the country and assured him of the continued support and respect of the Anioma people.

In his remarks, Ibori thanked the monarchs for the visit and their support over the years, assuring them that he would continue to identify with them for the overall development of the state.

The former governor added that his decision to support Okowa for a second term was informed by the need to ensure justice, equity and fairness among the senatorial districts in the state. Ibori added, “Governor Okowa has been my good friend, brother and political associate spanning some reasonable years and still counting. He has shown sufficient commitment towards the overall development of our state since his assumption of office. Therefore, he deserves a second term to enable him build on his good governance initiatives and consolidate on his numerous achievements.

Our people in Delta Central and the good people of Delta State know what to do in 2019. The signals have been sent out and Deltans shall vote in an overwhelming manner for the re-election of His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 2019, by the special grace of God. Ibori pledged to justify the traditional title bestowed on him by the monarchs.

Those who attended the event included a former Deputy Governor in the state, Mr. Benjamin Elue, Mr. Nkem Okwuofu, Dr. Chris Agbobu and Mr.Theodora Giwa Amu among others.

Copyright PUNCH.                

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