Okowa calls for actions that will strengthen unity

… As Ibori is honoured in Isoko
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the people to engage in actions that will strengthen the bond of unity to matter the political divide.

He made the call at the weekend at Owhelogbo, Isoko North local government area at a grand reception organized in honour of a former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, by Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay.

According to the governor, “the more united we are, the better for our state, we should play politics that will engender unity.”

“Most of us have been looking forward to an event like this where our leader is honoured. There is no doubt that Chief Ibori is a leader in its true sense. He built a strong political family and by the grace of God, the leadership of the state today is still within the family. The family is still intact and most of the things we have achieved in the state today can be traced to the foundation laid by him,” Dr. Okowa said.

“I must thank him for laying a foundation that we are building on. There is no state in the country today that has the type of road infrastructure we have in Delta State, Chief Ibori has a big heart, he is bold.”

Ibori thanked Macaulay, a former secretary to the state government, for organizing the reception and urged leaders in the country to be courageous in standing on the part of the constitution and working for the people. “When you are in office, people will abuse you, allow them, that is the beauty of democracy, you must be courageous to stay on the part of the people, no matter the price; if there is any constitution breach, you must stand up and oppose it,” Chief Ibori said.” As an elder statesman, I will be happy if this democracy which we all fought for is deepened.”

Immediate past governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, urged the people not to pull down those who are in position of authority, but encourage them to succeed, adding, “Chief James Ibori is up and he will never go down again.”

Former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described Ibori as a bridge builder while Macaulay said the event was in honour of “a giant in the struggle, a resilient fighter for the rights of the Nigerian workers and the masses, a courageous and selfless social crusader.”

Chairman of the occasion, General Alexander Ogomudia, thanked God for the life of Ibori and commended Macaulay for organising the event.
Ibori’s Deputy, Chief Benjamin Elue, former acting governor of the state, Prince Sam Obi, Admiral Dele Ezeoba, (former Chief of Naval staf), as well as erstwhile Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, among others, attended the ceremony.