Ibori's hometown turns to 'holy land' as Gov. Okowa, James Manager, others troop to pay homage

The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Sunday led top political gladiators in the state to pay homage to an erstwhile governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, who had just regained freedom after being convicted by a British court for money laundering.

The former Delta State governor, however, played host to several top dignitaries on Sunday, whom were which are governor Okowa, Senator James Manager, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Chief Monday Igbuya, and several house of representative members including Mr. Daniel Yingi.

At about 4:40pm, Okowa and the members of his delegation were still having a chat with Ibori whose homecoming was witnessed with a rousing welcome as politicians from all political divides visited Oghara to pay homage to the former governor.

Most politicians who were on the ground to welcome the Oghara-born politician on Saturday included the Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, William Makinde; Senator Ighoyota Amori, Chief Ben Ikpaba, Eric Oharisi, Samuel Mariere, among others

Oghara, the administrative headquarters of Ethiope-West Council Area of the state, had become a ‘Mecca’ of sorts for politicians coming to pay homage to Ibori.

It was observed that traders and shop owners on Sunday opened for business after they shut stores and markets to welcome the former governor on Saturday.