OVEDHE JERRY

The Deputy Governorship Candidate under the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) party in the April 2015 poll, Hon Johnbull Okoro, has called on all Urhobo Political Leaders to forgive former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and prepare towards giving him a warm welcome back to politics and Nigeria.

Chief James Orange Ibori, former Delta State Governor

Hon Okoro made this call, while addressing Journalists on the political impact and contribution of the former to the development of Delta state and Niger Delta Region. He noted that, Chief Ibori is “a great leader not only in Delta state but in the entire South South region. The works he has done in the state, no governor has been able to perform upto 40% of it”.

“First, am  excited that Chief James Onanefe Ibori is coming home soon. He remains a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, not only in Delta State, but in Nigeria. Anytime, any day, he is one of the greatest leader that we have ever had from the Niger Delta. As a two term governor, Chief Ibori has no doubt paid his dues. He has made indelible marks in the life of Deltans. He is an exceptional Deltan who commands a very large follower-ship even after leaving office”

“Aside the issues of law, I believe he still has a lot to offer. I and several other Deltans earnestly look forward to the home coming of our great leader. The issue of whether to quit active politics is entirely his decision to make, but I believe he still has a lot to offer.

“Despite his ordeals and incarceration in a London prison, former Governor James Onanefe Ibori remains one of the most influential politicians to have come from Delta State in recent times. He built one of the most formidable political structures across the state and it will be a major hurdle for anyone to succeed in the governorship of the state without seeking his support.

Hon Okoro added that, Chief Ibori idea of rotating the Governorship of the state within the three Senatorial District is a master stroke that has given the PDP an edge over any other political party in the state, stressing that “his fight for resource control and fiscal federalism metamorphosed into the 13 percent derivation principle being enjoyed today by the Oil Producing communities in the Oil rich Niger Delta.

His mastery of the game of politics is legendary and it will be a big boost for the PDP if he is eventually released. I will never support the call for him to quit politics because he still has a lot to offer. We are looking forward to receive him back”.