2019: I Can’t Help You Win Election, Ibori Tells PDP Aspirants

Former Delta state governor, Chief James Ibori has told Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], faithfuls who are seeking elective office not to rely on him to win the 2019 general election.

Ibori spoke at the 70th birthday celebration of Senator Patrick Osakwe and grand reception in his honour on Saturday August 11, 2018 at Ugiliamai, Ndokwa West local government area of Delta State.

According to him, Delta state is a complex state to govern therefore those who aspire to contest political office in the state must endeavour not to put their personal interest above the interest of the state.

He also urged party faithfuls to always abide by the decision of the party, saying the party’s decisions remain supreme.

“We must understand that Delta is a very complex state, we must learn to subsume our personal interest for the good of the state, he emphasized.

“Those who are vying for political offices should go and look for delegates and get their support, because Chief Ibori and the Governor cannot help you, get your people to support you to enable you win”, Ibori said.

He thanked Senator Osakwe for his contributions to the PDP right from its inception and for using the occasion to honour him.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (middle); former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori (right)and the Immediate Past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, during the 70th Birthday of Senator Patrick Osakwe and Grand Reception in Honour of Chief James Ibori, PIX; JIBUNOR SAMUEL.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa reiterated that PDP is one large family strengthened by brotherly love.

He stressed that under the PDP individual’s ambition cannot subsume collective interest.

The governor joined Ibori to emphasize that members of PDP believe in the supremacy of the party where collective interest supersedes personal interest.

“When we continue to partner together, we add value to this family, the PDP family, the family means well for our state:

Governor Okowa described Senator Osakwe as a ranking Senator who has contributed to the development of the country.

“I thank Senator Osakwe for accepting me as his son and stepping down for me during the Senatorial race; I thank him (Senator Osakwe) and our former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue for their humility, for being role models for us.”, Okowa added.

Speaking at the event, Immediate past governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan described Senator Osakwe as a man who has been active in Nigeria’s economic scene before his sojourn into politics where he has effectively, represented his people.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Benjamin Elue congratulated Senator Osakwe for clocking 70 years, adding, Senator Osakwe “is a dashing friendly man who loves competition”.