DELTA State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa has described former Governor James Ibori as the father of modern Delta.
Governor Okowa gave the description on Monday in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Olisa Ifeajika to congratulate Chief Ibori who will be celebrating 62nd birthday on Tuesday.
“As the father of modern Delta, let me commend you for the visionary and inclusive leadership that you epitomised in the eight years of laying the foundation of the desired modern Delta laced with building bridges of unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.
“My distinguished leader, I can recall clearly that you and other great leaders fought very hard for the oil-producing states of the Niger Delta to enjoy 13 per cent derivation of the nation’s oil resources.
“As a champion of Resource Control and Fiscal Federalism, you were among the true patriots who struggled for the establishment of a regional interventionist agency to address the issues of development and environmental degradation of the oil-rich Niger Delta, which gave birth to Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“As a respected voice in Nigeria’s democratic experience, we were not surprised when your colleagues in the Forum of former Governors named you as “Patron” of the group in an obvious recognition of your political sagacity and amiable disposition to the unity of the country.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I rejoice with your family members, friends, political and business associates on this occasion of your 62nd birth anniversary.
“It is my prayer that your best years are yet to come even as God Almighty grants you long life, good health and wisdom to keep navigating Nigeria’s political and business landscape fruitfully,” the governor said.
