Wike, Okowa, Ibori Call for United Front for N’Delta Devt

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; his Delta State counterpart, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, have jointly called on Niger Delta leaders to unite for the rapid development of the geo-political zone.

The trio spoke saturday at Oghara, Delta State when Wike led political leaders of Rivers State on a visit to Ibori at his residence.

Wike, who is also a co-chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, said unity is needed in the geo-political zone to check the current situation where outsiders take advantage of the disunity of the area to deny the people benefits of their resources.

Wike was accompanied on the visit to Oghara by former Acting Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; Senator Lee Maeba; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Austin Opara; former Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo; and the Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Chief Desmond Akawor.
Also present at the visit were Senator Peter Nwaobishi and other senior associates of the former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori.

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.”

The governor said Rivers and Delta States are cooperating in the spirit of Niger Delta Development. “We must work as brothers. We must work as a team. We must not allow our united front to be divided,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, Chief Ibori commended the governors of Rivers and Delta States for their cooperation on developmental issues. He urged both governors to work towards building a stronger united force for all the Niger Delta States. “We need to be united to be able to serve our people better. We have to cooperate for the good of our people,” he said.

He commended the developmental efforts of the Rivers State governor, urging him to sustain his projects’ delivery.
Also speaking, Governor Okowa said the Rivers State Governor is a grassroots politician who is providing effective leadership for his people. He said in Delta State, the political class is under a political family led by Chief James Ibori.

Okowa said the Niger Delta needs to work together for the geo-political zone to be a stronger political voice in the country. He said: “We will continue to keep the friendship based on the interest of our people.” The meeting later went into a closed door session.

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