By Onome Oghenetega
Facts have emerged on why Chief James Ibori, a former governor of Delta State, stayed away from the congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Asaba, the state capital, last Saturday.
Ibori and the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, were among top chieftains of the party that were conspicuously absent at the congress.
The outgoing chairman of the party, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, was re-elected for a second term as state chairman. His re-election was unopposed.
Dependable sources told our correspondent that Ibori decided to stay away since the choice of Esiso for second term had been agreed among party leaders.
The source, who is a strong ally of the former governor, told NIGER DELTA TODAY (NDT) Online that Ibori’s presence at the congress was needless because he was on the same page with other leaders of the party especially Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
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Our source, however, denounced rumour of disagreement between Ibori and Governor Okowa ahead of the 2023 governorship election in the state.
The source who pleaded not to be mentioned in this report said, “It was needless for Chief Ibori to attend the congress since the choice of Olorogun Esiso was unopposed by leaders of the party. Ibori and Okowa were on the same page with the current State Executive Committee.
“If Ibori has disagreed, it would have been a tough fight for Esiso to return as chairman. Don’t forget Ibori and Okowa have come a long way in politics from the days of PDM. Ibori also do not interfere with leadership of the party. He believes in building consensus among other leaders.”
When also contacted on the development, Media Assistant to the former governor, Mr. Tony Eluemunor, said he does not have clearance from his boss to speak on the issue.
Eluemunor, who however spoke on his personal ground, noted that Ibori and other leaders of the party already agreed on the choice of Esiso before the congress.
According to him, “He (Ibori) didn’t attend because the leaders have already agreed. There was nothing at stake. Everything has been pre-agreed. Esiso in his acceptance speech thanked him (Ibori). That was why he stayed away.
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“Don’t also forget he is in his 60s. With the COVID-19 pandemic, he hasn’t been going out.”
Eluemunor, also a chieftain of the party, said Ibori will not be interest in anything that will cause disaffection among leaders and members of the party in the state.
“Chief Ibori will not be a party to anything that will divide PDP or Delta State. In fact, his position is that, he wants the South-South to speak with one voice. This is even irrespective of politics. I am speaking for myself (not as a Media Aide to Ibori.) because I did not get his authority”, he added.
