By Emeka Nwokocha
OZORO/Nigeria: Big weights in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Delta State, Saturday, stormed Owholegbo in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, to celebrate former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori in a grand style.
The Grand reception was put together by former Secretary to Delta State government (SSG), Comr. Ovuozourie Macaulay at his palatial country home in Owholegbo.
Speaking eloquently during his address, Macaulay who was decked in colourful traditional attire told the enthusiastic audience that the occasion was a unique way to celebrating Chief Ibori for his triumph over evil, even as he described him as his political mentor, benefactor, boss and a staunch leader in the political hemisphere of the oil rich Delta State.
Expressing his profound Joy for having Ibori in his humble country home, Comr. Macaulay said the excitement in him could not be expressed in words, saying that Chief Ibori is a man of honour and great intellection, noting that the huge crowd of personalities that graced the occasion was a testimony to how well the people love him (Chief Ibori).
His words “there are many who have passed through the turbulence that my leader went through but didn’t live to tell their stories. But Chief Ibori went through a tunnel of fire and came out stronger, bigger than his accusers. He remains a hero to me and his entire political family in Delta State and everywhere in the world.”
Comr. Macaulay recounted his journey to political stardom under the tutelage of Chief Ibori, saying that the occasion was a special way to celebrate the sterling qualities of the man who gave him the political platform to build a solid career in politics and creating virile political groups that accommodate the political interest of the youths and apparently wield huge influence in the political turf of the Isoko Nation currently.
Not oblivious of the pockets of challenges the Isoko nation contend with in the political milieu of Nigeria, Comr. Macaulay expressed concern about poor representation of Isoko nation at the federal level. He said the question on the lip of Isoko people is: “when will Isoko man be named a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? When will an Isoko man Chair a viable Federal Board?
The former SSG said, “from 1999 till date, apart from the four year of Senator Stella Omu at the Senate, Isoko people have not been given a Federal appointment in spite of our high level of contribution to electoral victories and revenue accruing to Nigeria from oil.” He called to Chief Ibori, to help Isoko nation remedy the anomaly.
Describing Chief Ibori as a true leader deserving an honour, Governor of Delta State, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa commended Comr. Macaulay for the gesture. He stressed the need for the people of Delta State to pursue a common cause that promotes love, unity and brotherhood. Continuing, Governor Okowa admonished Deltans to eschew bickering and divisive conducts, noting that no meaning development can be achieved in an atmosphere of political rancour and violent agitations.
Deploying his dazzling oratorical prowess, at the Peoples Democratic Party dominated event, immediate past Governor of Edo State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, praised Comr. Macaulay for the initiative. He described Chief Ibori as a bridge builder across all divides, even as he appreciated him for supporting to a great deal, the agitation for resource control which eventually gave birth to the 13 percent derivation oil bearing states enjoy currently.
The former comrade Governor, known for colouring his speech with humour, asked Comr. Macaulay to join the forces of change to be able to get an Isoko man appointment as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Chief Ibori expressed his gratitude to Comr. Macaulay, the good people of Isoko nation and the entire people of Delta state for the support they have given to him during the time of his travails and passionately sustaining same till date.
