Former Delta state governor, James Ibori over the weekend revealed how he singlehandedly rescued and camped former governor of Anambra state and now Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige in government house guest house, Asaba for one week. Mr. Ngige was governor of Anambra State from 29 May 2003 to 17 March 2006 under the People Democratic Party.
Our correspondent reports that Mr. Ibori made this revelation on Saturday during a grand reception organized in his honour by the immediate past Secretary to the Delta state Government, (SSG), and veteran labour leader, Ovuozourie Macaulay, at Owhelogbo, Isoko North local government area of the state, while speaking on the need for leaders in the country to be courageous in standing on the part of the constitution and working for the people.
“When my colleague, Dr. Chris Ngige was assaulted in government house Awka, I was then a sitting governor, it was the late AK Dikibo that called me and told me what was going on across the bridge. I have to call my former SDS to contact Awka to locate for me where Ngige was hiding and I located him and sent a bullet proof car with security to fetch him from Awka and I kept him in government house guest house and was listening to authorities in Abuja.
“We were all governors of the same political party. But I felt that that assault was unwarranted constitutionally so I took a position on it and I fetch him and he was in my government house for a week.” adding that after the situation was brought under control Mr. Ngige was sent back to Awka with a bullet proof car with security to his office.
“When the issue came up in PDP NEC, of course I have colleagues who stood up to speak, supporting the illegality and the unconstitutional behaviours of members of my political party, I listened to them carefully. When they finished talking, including some of my fellow governors, then I stood up and I spoke and I accused all of them of insulting the constitution of Nigeria. If there is any constitution breach, you must stand up and oppose it,” Chief Ibori stated.”
Meanwhile, former governor James Ibori ahead of the 2019 general elections may have abandoned the incumbent governor, Ifeanyi Okowa who is seeking for a second tenure in office. This indication emerged over the weekend during a grand reception organized in his honour by the immediate past Secretary to the Delta state Government, (SSG), and veteran labour leader, Ovuozourie Macaulay, at Owhelogbo, Isoko North local government area of the state.
Delivering his speech, Ibori disclosed that he no longer belonged to any political party
but now an elder statesman, adding that politicians who cannot put the interest of their people above their personal interest are not fit to serve in any capacity of government.
“I don’t belong to any political party, I am now an elder statesman, my political family members cut across, so, I speak as such. When you are in office, people will abuse you, allow them, that is the beauty of democracy. People will say things that you have not done, listen to them because that is why you are there.” Ibori cautioned.
