Ibori: You’re Man Of The People, Crusader For Women Empowerment, Humanity, Says Uduaghan

Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri, has praised the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, for his leadership qualities.

“As governor, you never deviated from established objectives. You exemplified the qualities of a strong leader by bringing optimism to the Niger Delta Region, providing effective leadership in Delta, establishing a culture of openness, checks and balances, and giving dissenting voices full hearing.”

He also emphasised his commitment to Nigerian unity.

“As a bridge builder who passionately preaches the gospel of national unity, your message of live and let live is all-encompassing. However, your desire for peace, justice, equity, and progress is unrivalled. You reiterated the need for true federalism, resource control, and power shift.

Uduaghan praised Ibor’s humility, perseverance, and resilience in a statement titled “66 cheers to an uncommon fighter, a completely detribalised Nigerian, unassuming gentleman, and an achiever.”

“As a pragmatic and purposeful leader, an embodiment of the virtues of doggedness and resilience, you reduced militancy in the Niger Delta, effectively managed all ethnic conflagrations that threatened to tear Delta State apart, and made the case for increased military protection of oil installations and facilities in oil-producing areas.”

The Delta High Chief recalled Ibori’s tenure as Governor of Delta State.

“Your policies represented a very enlightened practical interpretation of the commonly held belief that charity begins at home. You made indelible marks on the lives of the masses, executed projects to specifications, brought rapid and almost even development to Delta State with Operation 2000 Projects, maintained industrial harmony; eliminated high debt profile owned contractors by the previous government, sanitised the process of awarding contracts, embarked on water schemes and projects for rural electricity supply, invested heavily in Warri, Delta State’s commercial nerve centre, and developed

He also mentioned the role Ibori played in the advancement of several people in Nigeria and abroad.

“Your passion for excellence drove you to assemble a cabinet of talented young men and women. You appointed strong and independent advisers and instilled great values in many young and not-so-young men and women in the South-South geopolitical zone and country.”

Uduaghan praised Ibori’s accomplishments in the private sector, saying, “As a consultant, you came to be known both within and outside the country as a man who makes things happen.”

He described Ibori as a rare gem, a political giant, a fighter for true federalism and the globally cherished ideals of democracy, and an advocate for establishing the rule of law.

“As a grassroots democrat and advocate for the marginalised, you pursued the goal of making people more fully human in social, cultural, and political terms.”

Uduaghan, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Webster Group of Companies, praised Ibori for working selflessly for Nigeria’s prosperity, development, and reclaiming its rightful place in the international arena.

He particularly praised the former governor’s heroic actions.

“I applaud your courage and am confident that you will have much more to offer Nigeria in the coming years.”

Ending the statement, Uduaghan said, “Once again, congratulations on this very important occasion, His Excellency, and may God bless you with good health and long life as you continue to contribute to the development of our great nation.”