Hopes that former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, will in the interest and wellbeing of the state forget the past and give the necessary support to incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori were renewed on Tuesday with his New Year Message to Deltans.
Ibori had called on Deltans to support the government of the day in the message posted on his X account (formally Twitter) @JamesIbori6.
In the run-up to the March 18 Governorship election in the state, the erstwhile governor popularly known as Odidigborigbo had thrown his weight behind Olorogun David Edevbie while immediate past Governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa opposed his choice and rather queued up behind Governor Oborevwori. The development dealt a huge blow to the PDP family in the state to the extent that a splinter group later emerged. However, Oborevwori triumphed at the primary election, thus sealing the fate of Edevbie’s ambition to succeed Okowa.
Ever since then, Ibori has remained largely uninterested in the things going on in the state. He had rather been seen a couple of times in company of President Bola Tinubu at the centre under the aegis of Class 1999. However, with the message, analysts say it represents a major shift in the perceived position of the former governor, and importantly, the Ibori that many know, will not allow any disagreement to fester forever in a way that it will affect the good fortune of his dear state.
The full message on X reads:
Dear fellow citizens of Delta State and Nigeria,
As we bid farewell to the challenges of the past year and embrace the dawn of 2024, let us unite with unwavering resilience and hope for a brighter future ahead.
Despite the hurdles we’ve faced, our collective strength has always been our greatest asset. Let us continue to stand tall, resilient in the face of adversity, and determined to forge ahead towards prosperity.
In this new year, let’s extend our hands in support of our government. Together, let us collaborate, not just in words but in actions, to drive positive change and progress in our beloved Delta State and our nation at large.
Let’s build bridges of understanding, engage in constructive dialogues, and foster a spirit of togetherness. Our combined efforts are pivotal in achieving sustainable development, ensuring peace, and creating opportunities that benefit every citizen.
May 2024 be a year of unity, growth, and shared successes. Let’s embark on this journey with optimism, determination, and a commitment to supporting our government’s initiatives that aim for a more prosperous future.
Thank you for your resilience, dedication, and unwavering support. Together, let’s make 2024 a year of triumphs and achievements.
Warm regards,
Chief James Onanefe Ibori
Governor, Delta State (1999 – 2007)
