Former governor of Delta State, James Ibori has called on Deltans to support the Delta State government under the leadership of Governor Sherrif Oborevwori.
Ibori made this appeal, which many have described as surprising, in a special New Year message released on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Recall that there had been a feisty relationship between Ibori and the governor since his (Ibori) failed attempt to install David Edevbie as a successor to the immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who blocked him in preference to Oborevwori. Ibori had remained incommunicado, except at the national level, shunning state functions.
But in his message, the former governor, popularly called ‘Ogidigboigbo’, said “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.” Political analysts have said the governor may have reached out to Ibori to mend fences especially following the reported breakdown of his relationship with his political godfather (Okowa).