WHY IBORI ENDORSED OKOWA FOR SECOND TERM

Chief James Ibori anointment of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for second term is in line with the spirit of zoning and power rotation. That is the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) arrangement for zoning elective political positions to specific geo-political regions within specific periods of time. Delta State is a heterogeneous State with diverse ethnic nationalities, so it is expedient to think that zoning or power rotation as the case may be is the way forward for the State. 

There is no doubt that zoning of offices is not constitutional; but it is in the constitution of the PDP that propounded it. It is a gentlemanly agreement that was documented and for the fact that it was written down, agreed so it has to be adhere to. From all indications, it appears to be the best thing for our polity, because of our unity and diversity in ethnicity. This is the reality. And since Delta Central and South senatorial districts have had their turns, it is only natural,  rational and fair for Delta North senatorial district to also have their turn of two terms.

Though Chief ibori has succeeded all along in restraining himself from making far-reaching political statements, insisting that he was still sleeping and resting. However, some individuals and groups may have been taken by surprise and shock when on Saturday 11, March 2017; Chief James Onanefe Ibori rightly anointed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term by appealing to the PDP members in Delta central senatorial district to wait till 2023 for their turn. He added that at the appropriate time he will make some statements but for now he needed to rest, as the days of reckoning in politics will come.

Chief ibori made these comments, while speaking at an event organized by members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta Central Senatorial District to welcome him home at the Western Delta University, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the State, just as he sued for more unity among the Urhobo political class.

He pointed out that there was no need to fear, “I am still resting and watching the moment. You shouldn’t worry, nor panic, there is no trouble. After my rest, we will see. Though people have said a lot of things, there is no need to fear, the day of reckoning in politics is coming.”

He then made strong case for the current Governor, saying, “however, I want to urge all of you to support him for a second term. Delta North need our (Urhobos) support, so that we can also get their support in 2023 after Okowa’s second term.

As a father, when a child shows you his report card that he passed his examination, you will clap for him. As a leader, when you see what is good, you applaud it. 

“You gave him the mandate; you should support him to actualize this mandate. We should continue to reposition our State as a strategic State in Nigeria. Be loyal to your Governor and be loyal to your State”, he said.

Governor Okowa is laying a foundation for the development of Delta State and four years will not be enough and he will need another four years to continue to do this. I support his agenda and I will back it. When he is finished, we shall continue from there”.

He urged all Deltans to be united and stay together, saying that they should maintain the peace in their respective domains particularly in the riverine areas as Okowa need a peaceful atmosphere to perform.