All Set For Urhobo Nation Grand Reception For Ex-Delta Governor, James Ibori

All is set for the grand reception being package by Urhobo ethnic nationality in honour of former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori.

The grand honour which is schedule for this Saturday will hold at the Unity Square Ovwor, Olomu, Ughelli South local government area of the state.

BigPen Online can report that Ibori, since his return to the country have been pushing for unity among Urhobo’s sons and daughters in respective of their political differences.

At the 2017 edition of Urhobo Day celebration organised by the UPU, Ibori who was a special guest of honour at the event, stressed the need for unity and progress in Urhobo land saying the ethnic group had the best brains and natural resources to earn a respected place in the country.

President General of UPU, Olorogun Moses Taiga, who said to be at center of reception ceremony for the former Governor had promised at the 2017 edition of Urhobo Day celebration that by the time the Urhobo meet again in 2018, the crises in the various wings of union would have been resolved.

A source privy to the planning of the reception, told our correspondent that among the dignitaries to witness the event scheduled for Saturday are Uche Secondus, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta; Emmanuel Uduaghan, the immediate past governor.

The programme will be chaired by Andrew Godwin Onokerhoraye, an emeritus professor and former vice chancellor of the University of Benin.

Ministering at the thanksgiving service are Cyril Odutemu, bishop of Ughelli Diocese of the Anglican Communion and God-Dowell Avwomakpa, bishop of Christ Missionary Crusaders.

Ibori, an Urhobo indigene, was governor of Delta state from 1999 to 2007.

Shortly after he left power, anti-corruption agencies started investigating him for alleged corruption.

A court had initially absolved him of corruption charges levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but the commission filed an appeal and the case continued, TheCable had reported.

Ibori eventually fled the country to evade arrest but he was nabbed in Dubai in 2010 and extradited to the UK where he was convicted and jailed in April 2012.

He was accused of stealing nearly £50m from the coffers of the oil-rich state.

Ibori regained freedom in 2016 and returned to Nigeria the following year. A mammoth crowd welcomed him home, making many to wonder how he his travail did not affect his popularity.

Since his return Ibori has attended high-profile events and has also spoken at a number of programmes.

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