BEVERLY HILLS, February 12, (THEWILL) – Oghara, the home town of former Delta state governor, Chief James Ibori, was agog with celebration as the community held a special thanksgiving service for the former governor to thank God for his release from a United Kingdom prison, where he had served almost five years after conviction for money laundry charges.
The church service, which was held at the First Baptist Church, Oghara, had Delta state political leaders, traditional chiefs, a number of celebrities and many political associates and followers of the former governor present.
Among those at the event were Emmanuel Uduaghan, the immediate past governor, and a cousin to Ibori; Monday Igbuya, speaker of the state house of assembly; and Festus Ovie-Agas, secretary to the state government.
Others were, Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, former managing director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Patrick Osakwe and Ighoyota Amori, former senators; Erhiateake Ibori, daughter of Chief Ibori, who is a member of the legislature; and some members of the Delta state Executive and Legislative arms of government.
Traditional rulers present included the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, Noble Eshemitan and the Pere of Akegbene-Mein Kingdom, Pere Kalanama VII.
Some artistes who graced the church service were Ras Kimono, Orits Wiliki and Ras Father.
Curiously, Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta state, was not among the political bigwigs who attended the event.
His absence at the event may not be unconnected with the allegations that state funds were released for the programme as the governor is an ally of Ibori, and does not hesitate to shower encomiums on Ibori whenever he has the opportunity to do so.
