Prince Uche Secondus, National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), has said Chief James Onanefe Ibori remains a key factor in Nigerian politics that cannot be ignored.
The PDP’s National Chairman stated this today at a grand reception party organized by the PDP to welcome the Delta state former governor back home a year after returning from serving a 13-year jail term in the United Kingdom (UK).
“Today Ibori is a factor in this country,” said Secondus, preaching from the Bible book of Psalm 41 to claim Ibori is a blessed man.
Turning to Ibori, he said, “You have come back for good. Your assignment in this nation and in this state has not finished yet”.
“This man must be celebrated; the man of the people, not only in Delta but across the nation,” he told the mammoth crowd that gathered to welcome the man acclaimed to be the Odidigborigbo of Africa.
Further speaking, Secondus narrated how Ibori, from prison, singlehandedly dictated the emergence of Okowa governor of Delta state.
“Before the general elections in 2015, I received a call from our leader [referring to James Ibori], and I asked him the direction; he told me that Okowa should be supported.
“I was then the Deputy National Chairman, and I gathered all my people, the financial secretary was there, and said I have received an order from my leader, and that was how we supported Dr. Okowa because the leader spoke to us,” he said.
“Our leader has passed through political tribulation because he believes in the people, because he considers the poor, because he considers the masses, and that was why God delivered him,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa described Ibori as “a better man”, adding: “We are very excited that he is back with us”.
Present at the grand reception party are the National Secretary of the PDP, National Women Leader of the PDP, National Financial Secretary of the PDP, National Treasurer of the PDP as well as former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, and other dignitaries from across the state and the country.
In his remarks, Ibori expressed thankfulness and described his detention in the United Kingdom (UK) where he served a 13-year jail term as a sabbatical.