IBORI: THE BUILDER OF MODERN DELTA By Godbless Eduviere

I am cocksure many would wonder why I coined in such legendary remark to title this story but after carefully studying the selfless nature and dateless legacies of the elder statesman, you would agree with me that Ibori is indeed a hero, a living legend, and an epitome of a true democrat.

Born in 1959 to the family of late chief Ukavbe Ibori and Mrs. Comfort Ibori of Otefe in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of delta State, Nigeria, Ibori is typical of people born in August as he’s highly motivated, confident, creative, organized, social, adventurous, and a problem solver with persevering spirit which makes him a first-class leader and the people’s favorite. His early life was straightforward. He attended Baptist High School, Oghareki which is the now Oghareki Grammar School and proceeded to the University of Benin where he studied Economics and Statistics and in the 1980s he moved to London, England where he met his wife, Theresa Ibori and worked in several reputable organizations.

Burn out of passion to serve and to elevate lives, Ibori developed utmost interest in politics and joined the National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1990. In 1991 he was nominated to contest for the Federal House of Representatives seat to represent Ethiope Federal Constituency but he lost to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate. This would have disrupted his dreams of becoming governor but he didn’t give up. His distinctive attributes and experiences geared him endlessly and between 1994 and 1997, he became a consultant to the late President Sani Abacha, mostly in the aspect of formulation and implementation of public policies. In 1999 he became a member of the People Democratic Party. He contested and won the Governorship election and served diligently and overtly from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007 respectively.

Driven by an endless passion to always fashion remarkable changes in his country, the altruistic leader didn’t limit his leadership skills to Delta state. He inculcated certain measures to ensure growth and sustainable future for the Niger Delta region by agitating for resource control which led to the establishment of NDDC amongst others. This practice of true federalism automatically put him at the head of the struggle for Niger Delta region as it stimulates the Niger Delta Governors into working harder for the development of their states. These indelible steps abruptly qualify Ibori to be called Captain of the Niger Delta.

However, THISDAY reporter who recently interviewed some deltans is shocked to his boot as majority still sings his praises, adding that many things remind them of the enigma. Rhoda Nzekwe said “Ibori government was an administration that gave opportunities to the youths and allowed for foreign investors to invest in the state. During his time, the oil and gas industry companies like Shell, Chevron and the likes were active and refineries as well. He was succeeded by Udaughan who also accomplished many projects like roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure. The Ibori gvt administration which started the warri Central hospital birthed the 0-5years free treatment for all children. God bless Chief Onanefe Ibori for setting the pace which others are following now.

Engineer Mike Odinfona said: “that man is magical. I don’t know how he was able to manage it, but he didn’t only rule as a leader, he was and is still a friend, benefactor, and a confidant to millions of people as we speak. He cautiously mentors and produces about 61% of the state’s successful entrepreneurs which makes him a loving father and an exact leader. Delta as we all know is the heart of Niger Delta so it’s impossible to discuss it without mentioning Ibori’’.

A businesswoman, Mrs. Juliet Emajemite recalls several occasions of how Ibori empowered countless widows as well as traders during his government. She said: “A true leader is one who beyond all circumstances can stand for his people and make decisions that will elevate lives and better the state. This is why we miss Ibori a lot. That man is too much. He was the mouthpiece of people. During his time, salaries were not only increased and paid on time; he also ensured that retirement stipends were paid and awarded contracts was executed. If you go around and inquire, you would discover that many wish he would come back as Governor again and again and I believe all Deltans would love that”.

Security expert, Mr. Otimeyin stressed that one may not know what he or she has until he loses it. He said: “look around and you will discover that many of the things we enjoy today in the state be it healthcare; schools, whether primary, secondary and universities or even polytechnics and others were built by this same man. Besides all these, he positively affected so many people during his government that I cannot even mention. So tell me, if we have more of such selfless leaders, won’t you be happy?”.

Chief James Ibori is obviously not just a hero, but also phenomenal and a force others should emulate. To the lovers of poems and in honor of those who seemed to care, I will leave you with a poem, a tribute to the rare gem and living legend, titled “DEMIGOD”
Delving into history, I noticed
I discovered a certain enigma
Who, despite travails filtered through the creel
A demigod by name, James Ibori.
Perambulating some infrastructure built
Amidst each I stood wondering
Our despicable land you adorned with beauty
Until you got stuck into a manipulative prism.
Then,
Demigod – stubborn ebony bird back to its nest
To the land you rescued from penury
As your people sing songs of victory in your name.
Demigod – hater of selfishness and greed
No administration has tried to imitate such significant strides
As your mysterious influence could not be wished away.
Demigod,                                                    
Powerbrokers and bigwigs crave your political blessings
Though pinned in prison
But the more we look, the less we see
Odidigborigbo; he that comes in the name of James Ibori.