As An Elder Statesman, I’II Be Happy If Democracy Is Deepened – Ibori

Former Governor of Delta state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori on Saturday said that as an elder statemen, he will be happy if democracy entrenched in 1999 when the country returned to democratic rule is deepend.

Ibori stated this at a grand reception put together in his honour by former Secretary to Delta state Government, Comrade Ovouzorie Macaulay at Owhelogbo, Isoko North local government area of Delta State.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Ibori who commended Comrade Macaulay for organizing the reception in his honour, urged leaders in the country to be courageous in standing on the part of the constitution and working for the people.

“When you are in office, people will abuse you, allow them, that is the beauty of democracy, you must be courageous to stay on the part of the people, no matter the price.

“If there is any constitution breach, you must stand up and oppose it,” Chief Ibori said.

He added, “As an elderstatesman, I will be happy if this democracy which we all fought for is deepened.”

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Earlier, Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa urged the people to engage in actions that will strengthen the bond of unity no matter the political divide.

According to the Governor, “the more united we are, the better for our state, we should play politics that will engender unity, Okowa advised.

“Most of us have being looking forward to an event like this where our leader is honoured.

“There is no doubt that Chief Ibori is a leader in its true sense, he built a strong political family and by the grace of God, the leadership of the state today is still within the family.

“The family is still intact and most of the things we have achieved in the state today can be traced to the foundation laid by him,” Governor Okowa said.

He however added, “I must thank him for laying a foundation that we are building on, there is no state in the country today that has the type of road infrastructure we have in Delta State, Chief Ibori has a big heart, he is bold.”

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Immediate past Governor of the State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan urged the people to avoid pulling down those who are in position of authority, rather, such people should be encouraged to succeed.

He affirmed, “Chief James Ibori is up and he will never go down again.”

Former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in his speech, described Chief Ibori as a bridge builder.

The host, Macaulay said the event was in honour of “a giant in the struggle, a resilient fighter for the rights of the Nigerian workers and the masses, a courageous and selfless social crusader.”

Speaking in the same vien, Chairman of the occasion, General Alexander Ogomudia (rtd) thanked God for the life of Chief Ibori and commended Comrade Macaulay for organising the event.

Ibori’s former Deputy, Chief Benjamin Elue, former acting Governor of Delta State, Prince Sam Obi, Admiral Dele Ezeoba, former Chief of Naval staff, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Victor Ochei, Ologbosere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami among others, attended the ceremony.

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