WIKE VISITS CHIEF IBORI, CALLS FOR STRONGER NIGER DELTA

Yesterday, Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Wike visited former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.

The Rivers State governor was accompanied to the residence of the ex-governor by his Delta State counterpart, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Former acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, Senator Lee Maeba,Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon Austin Opara, Former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo and Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Ambassador Desmond Akawor. Senator Peter Nwaobishi and a close ally of the Ex-Delta State Governor, Chief Ibori.

Chief Wike who is also the co-chairman of PDP’s national reconcillation committee said that unity was needed in the zone to check the current situation where outsiders took advantage of the disunity of the region to deny the people’s benefits from their resources.

Chief Nyesom Wike said “Niger Delta must continue to be United. Whatever it takes, unity is still very key. When we are divided, outsiders will come and exploit our resources to the disadvantage of our communities.”

“We have to fight to protect the interest of the Niger Delta. We draw strength from people like former governor James Ibori, a man who has variegated experiences.”

“We must work as brothers. We must work as a team. We must not allow our United front to be divided.”

In his welcome remark, Chief Ibori said “I want to commend the governor of Rivers state for his vision and for the cooperation, collaboration and friendship that he has developed and is growing between him and my governor, Senator Okowa.”

“I commend the spirit because that alone sends the signal of unity and a common purpose of our state and our people.”

“I will like to add that both Governor Wike and my governor should continue and extend that to all the other states of the South-south geo-political zone.”

“At the end of the day, we need to be united to be able to serve our people better.”

“We have to cooperate to work for our people. I have watched from a very vantage position and I have seen all the efforts that you have put into the service of our people and it is only God that can bless you.”

“As I always say, at the end of the day, we will all leave office someday, it is what you do and what you leave behind that will be your legacy. And I’m glad that you are on the path to greatness.”

“I want to assure you that you have my cooperation at all times. Feel free to call on me if you need me for anything.”

He further said “I may not be able to do much as you all know I am retired now but whatever contributions I can make, whatever advice I can give given my experience, I am prepared to do it 24 hours a day,”

On the part of the Delta State Governor, Dr. Okowa described Chief Wike as a grass-root politician who had continued to provide effective leadership to his state ever since assumption of office.

He also stressed that the Niger Delta needed to collaborate for the region to have a stronger political voice in the country.

Later, the meeting went in a closed door session.