From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
FORMER governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori on Monday made his first public appearance at Asaba, the state capital, for the second year anniversary thanksgiving of incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration.
Ibori returned to the state last February after serving out his jail term in London for money laundering offenses. He had before now made public appearances outside the state capital.
The returnee ex-governor who was present through out the during of the thanksgiving, was very calm as sat on his seat, and occasionally joined the dancing during praises rendered by the different gospel artists.
Also present was the immediate past governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his deputy, Amos Utuama and Ibori’s deputy, Benjamin Elue, federal and state lawmakers, commissioners, traditional rulers amongst others.
In his remarks, Governor Okowa recognized contributions of his predecessors to stabilize his government, admitting that he is lucky as a governor.
“I am a lucky governor because, I have the partnership and support of all Deltans and we pray that this partnership will be sustained as we continue to deliver on our electoral promises of making Deltans prosperous.
“The past governors of this state and their deputies are all present in this thanksgiving, I appreciate them because, they have always supported and advised me, our traditional rulers have also continued to be pillars of support for my administration and I appreciate the collective efforts for us to have peace to enable us achieve the desired level of development,” he added.
While noting that with such an event, “Delta State will continue to prosper and will continue to glorify His holy name,” Governor Okowa thanked God that peace had returned to all parts of the state after security challenges in the creeks which led to the destruction of pipelines in the state.
He expressed confidence that the state would recover speedily with full repairs of damaged pipelines and thanked Deltans for their support for his administration.
“We trusted on the Lord and we will continue to trust in Him; I am confident that Delta State will continue to enjoy peace and soon Delta State will take its position as the leading oil producing state in the country, I believe God will do it,” he said amidst applause from Deltans of all walks of life who attended the event.
Rt. Rev. Cyril Odutemu, the Bishop of Ughelli Diocese of the Anglican Communion had in a sermon, thanked God for the peace that reigns in the state despite the security challenges that were witnessed in the past.
The Bishop urged Christians to always pray for the Governor to succeed because, such would be for the benefits of all.
Renowned gospel musicians, Sammie Okposo, Elijah Oyelade, Joe Praise, Chioma Jesus, David G., Frank Edward, among numerous others sang melodious tunes to the glory of God with the audience singing along.