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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