Final arrangements put in place for the formal reception of Ex-Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori

 

 

By Godwin Utuedoye,

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The reception in honour of the Urhobo born former governor of Drlta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori is schedule to hold tommorrow being Saturday, March 10 at the Unity Square ground of the Osadjere family, Ovwor-Olomu, Ughelli South Local Government area of Delta State.

  Chief Ibori, Olorogun Taiga, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa & Dr. Ahwefeada during a function of  the UPU

The event which is to be hosted by foremost and staunch PDP leader in the state, Chief John Oguma, the Udu of Olomu Kingdom, is expected to attract dignitaries from across the state and beyond including top PDP officials such as the National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, UPU president general, Olorogun Moses Taiga and others.

The reception ceremony to honour the former governor is scheduled to commence with an open air thanksgiving service which will have the Anglican Bishop of Ughelli Diocese, Rt. Rev. Cyril Odiboroghene Odutemu, Ph.D and Archbishop God-Dowell Avwomakpa of Christ Missionary Crusader’s Church officiating.

The ceremony is expected to be chaired by Professor Andrew Onokerhoraye, professor emeritus and former vice chancellor of the University of Benin.

Chief James Ibori, an Oghara indigene of the Urhobo ethnic nationality was governor of Delta state between 1999 to 2007 but was arrested after his tenure by anti-graft agencies for corruption offences. He served a jail term in the UK  and regained freedom in 2016 and returned to Nigeria the following year. Upon his return, he was warmly welcomed by kindred and supporters. He is regards as one of the best governor Delta State has ever had despite the huge level of corruption charges levelled against him which eventually led him to jail.

This reception is a testament of how he is loved by his people and the kind of influence he had in Delta State and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.