Seven days after his return to the country, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his predecessor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, were among political associates and well-wishers who have continued to troop into the Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area home of the embattled former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.
We are happy with his coming, he is God-sent to Delta…and Nigeria in general. He is a unifying factor
Ibori returned to his home town on February 4, after serving a jail term in British prison for alleged money laundering.
But since his return to Nigeria, prominent politicians and other important personalities from across Nigeria and different walks of life have continued to throng his house to pay him solidarity visits.
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ethiope West, Mr. Onome Ojo, who spoke to The Point in Oghara, said that the return of Ibori would further strengthen the party in the state.
Ojo urged the people to emulate the good legacies of the “Delta political godfather, who has touched many lives. “People are rejoicing because he is hale and hearty.
He is a man of the people, he carried everybody along. When people heard that he was around, they ran from wherever they were to see him. Ibori is a household name.
“Different political party fateful came around on Sunday to see him. Ibori is a political father, his coming will further strengthen the PDP, he is a friend of all.”
Also speaking with The Point, former director of protocol under the administration of Governor Uduaghan, Mr. Paul Owunmi, said Ibori was a unifying factor in the Niger Delta region. “
We are happy with his coming, he is God-sent to Delta in particular, and Nigeria in general.
He is a unifying factor in the Niger Delta and has continuously fight for the struggle and emancipation of the Niger Delta region. Ibori has touched lives in Delta and Nigeria,” he said.
Also, former Chairperson, State Universal Basic Education Board in the state, Mrs. Philomena Udedey, described Ibori as a father and a man of the people, who has made them proud.
Udedey added that Ibori was not a selfish man. The ancient town of Oghara was carnival-like, when Ibori arrived from the UK, as musicians were stationed at different locations to entertain people, while his residence was a beehive of activities.
The Delta State governor, Dr. Okowa, and his predecessor, Uduaghan, were among other government functionaries, who paid Ibori a visit on February 5.
Others who also visited Ibori last Monday included a former acting governor of Delta State, Mr. Sam Obi; former Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Ebenezer Okorodudu; the Ovie of Uvwie, Emmanuel Sideso, among others.
As at the time of filing this report, heavily armed mobile policemen were stationed at the entrance to Ibori’s palatial home in Oghara to monitor the movement of persons around the former governor’s residence.
