The Ijaw People in Delta State (IPDS) are now set to host former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.
Ibori held sway as governor of Delta State from 1999 to 2007.
NewsNet gathered that the hosting is to serve as a mark of appreciation to Ibori for opening up the riverine Ijaw communities in the state especially the determination and political will he demonstrated at the dawn of the new democratic dispensation in 1999.
A statement by the conveners of the programme, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, a traditional chief of Ijaw nation and Mr. Hassan Warri, said the hosting which is long overdue is aimed at honouring and recognising Chief Ibori’s roles in the advancement and development of the Ijaw people of Delta State.
The statement called on all sons and daughters of Delta Ijaw to come out en masse to honour and thank the Odidigborigbo of Africa irrespective of their political affiliations.
Highlights of Chief Ibori’s goodwill for which the Delta Ijaw are grateful, include:
(i) Forthrightness, doggedness and determination towards ensuring the end of the fratricidal Ijaw/Itsekiri ethnic crisis, thereby saving several lives and property;
(ii) Relocation of the Headquarters of Warri South-West LGA to Ogbe-Ijoh Town, which today has reunited Ijaw/Itsekiri together;
(iii) The quality of political space and mentorship of the Ibori- led government that has led to Ijaw people being assisted to become notable personalities and gladiators such as Senator James Manager, Chief Pius Sinebe, Rt Hon. Frank Enekerogha, Barr. Bosin Ebikeme, Dr Braduce Angozi, Chief Frank Omare, Mr. George Timinimi, Rt. Hon. Solomon Funkekeme, amongst others, and today, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro has climbed to become the Deputy Governor of Delta State.
(iv) The construction of Bomadi Bridge which has opened up Ijaw land. This gesture has given a clear indication that in spite of the terrain, the Ijaw riverine area can be developed with road infrastructure.
(v) The Omadino Bridge (to connect the proposed road that will access Gbaramatu communities including Okerenkoko, Pepeama, Kokodiagbebe etc.
The Chief Convener, Chief Mulade Sheriff, the Ibe-Sorimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area and an Ambassador of Peace noted that there is no better time than now to appreciate and thank the former Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, for bringing peace, unity and development to Ijaw land in Delta.
NewsNet learnt that the event promises to be a memorable one, as arrangements have been concluded to reach out to revered royal fathers, political leaders, friends and well-wishers to grace the event with cultural displays, at a date and venue to be announced in due course.
Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan are expected to be the guests of honour while Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor, Delta State, Senator James Manager, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Dr. Braduce Angozi and Capt. Pius Sinebe, will be hosts.
