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  • ‘Draw strength to carry on’ – Ibori tells Segun Awolowo’s widow

    ‘Draw strength to carry on’ – Ibori tells Segun Awolowo’s widow

    Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, has urged Bola, the widow of the late Segun Awolowo jnr, to find strength in the glowing tributes poured on her husband following his passing.

    The late Segun, grandson of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the age of 62.

    Speaking on Tuesday night at the Night of Tributes held in honour of the late lawyer and former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, Ibori described Awolowo as a humble, dignified, and impactful public servant whose legacy will endure.

    Addressing the widow directly, Ibori said, “All we will say here and all you have heard is for you to draw strength to carry on. Our guy was great.”

    The former governor recalled that he was attending a similar tribute event for the late Oskar Ibru when news of Awolowo’s death reached him, describing the moment as a painful irony.

    “My first thought was, ‘What a season!’ It was a life fully lived in all its chapters. To be honest, I never imagined it would come so soon. We all knew he was struggling, but that did nothing to soften the blow. The reality came with such weight, bringing profound shock and sadness,” he said.

    Ibori praised Awolowo’s calm disposition, integrity, and devotion to service, noting that despite his lineage, he carried the Awolowo name “not as a crown but as a responsibility.”

    According to him, the late Awolowo distinguished himself in public service, especially during his tenure as NEPC chief, where he championed Nigeria’s non-oil export drive with vision and diligence.

    “He performed exceptionally well. He was not there for the title but for tangible results. He was a true servant of the nation,” Ibori stated.

    He added that Awolowo’s life reflected humility, discipline, and purposeful leadership, describing him as “a bridge between a storied past and a hopeful future.”

    The former governor extended condolences to the Awolowo family and all who knew him, praying for comfort and strength in their time of grief.

    “Segun Awolowo jnr’s life reminds us that true impact is often made, not with fanfare but with consistent principled action. He was a bridge between a storied past and a hopeful future, demonstrating how to honour one’s heritage while carving out a distinct and impactful path.

    As we mourn his passing, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire family, led by his wife Bola and all who knew and loved him. May they find comfort in the respect and affection that his life has inspired. His was a life well lived, though it ended too soon. He embodied grace under pressure, service over self, and the enduring power of a good name. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace. Rest in peace, Shegee. Good night,” Ibori concluded.

  • Why I quit PDP, by Ibori’s daughter

    Why I quit PDP, by Ibori’s daughter

    Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor Chief James Ibori and a member of the House of Representatives, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    In a letter dated Thursday, December 5, and addressed to the PDP Chairman of the Ethiope West Council area, Ibori-Suenu cited exclusion by the Delta state chapter of the party as the reason for her resignation.

    The letter, titled “Notice of Resignation of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu as Member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” stated: “Please be informed that by this notice I formally resign as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect. I surrender my attached Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] Membership Card, with membership number 0777144 in furtherance of my complete dissociation and disengagement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ibori’s daughter, four Reps members dump PDP, LP for APC 

    Ibori-Suenu explained that her resignation was due to her complete exclusion by the State chapter of the party and the ongoing national leadership crisis, which has divided the party into implacable camps.

  • Igbuya praises Ibori, Dafinone, others for birthday felicitations

    Igbuya praises Ibori, Dafinone, others for birthday felicitations

    Delta State Representative, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Monday Igbuya, has praised Delta political leader, Chief James Onanefe Ibori; Senator Ede Dafinone; Delta APC leaders, friends and associates for celebrating with him on his 68th birthday anniversary.

    Chief Igbuya, who was a former Delta Speaker, while commending those who came to celebrate with him in Sapele, urged politicians and public servants not to discard their childhood friends, noting that after the pep of office, they will retire home to meet them.

    He noted, that outside his political associates, he has continued to keep and relate with them and enjoined others not to forsake their friends.

    According to him,: “God has been faithful, and may his name be praised! On this special occasion of my birthday, I want to humbly express my profound gratitude to Almighty God for His grace, mercy, and boundless love.

    “His faithfulness in my life has been immeasurable, and I remain deeply thankful for His continuous guidance, protection, and strength that has carried me through the journey of life. Each day is a gift, and today, I celebrate not just the years, but the countless blessings and lessons that have shaped me into who I am today.

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    “I also want to thank my Boss, His Excellency Chief James Onanefe Ibori, for his love and continued support towards me and my family; I am eternally grateful to him and don’t take his love for granted.

    “I am overwhelmed by the show of love. I am thankful to my brother and our Senator, Senator Ede Dafinone for coming to celebrate with me.

    “I am especially grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Delta State in various capacities, most recently as their representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and as a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

    “These roles have been both humbling and inspiring, and I thank God for the wisdom He has provided to lead with integrity and commitment. The trust the people have placed in me is something I cherish deeply, and I remain dedicated to continuing my efforts in advancing the development and welfare of our great state and the Niger Delta region.

    “Finally, I want to thank my family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement. As I reflect on this milestone, I am filled with immense gratitude and look forward to the future with optimism and hope, knowing that God’s hand will continue to guide my path. I remain committed to the service of our people, and I pray for continued peace, prosperity, and progress for Delta State and our beloved country, Nigeria. Thank you, and may God bless us all.”

  • Ibori to Anioma: Okowa’s re-election is your battle

    Ex-Governor of Delta State James Ibori has thrown the challenge for the reelection bid of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to his Anioma kinsmen.

    Ibori tasked them ensure the reelection of GovOkowa in the 2019 gubernatorial polls as the support from Delta Central Senatorial District was non- negotiable. According to Ibori,”Anioma this is your challenge, this is your fight”.

    Ibori spoke yesterday at the flagging-off of the Delta People’s Democratic Party (PDP) campaign at Oghara, Ethiope West. He described Okowa as loyal party man who has shown respect to the political fathers and understands the history of the PDP political family in the state. He praised Okowa for his humility, adding that during 2015 PDP flag off Okowa launched his campaign at Oghara and has returned in 2019 for another flag- off. Ibori said the rotational policy used to equitable distribute political office has guaranteed peace and tranquility.

    The former governor praised Okowa for his solid achievement given the constraints of governance, stressing that as a governor who ruled for eight years he understands the issues of governance. Governor Okowa in his address, said his reelection was a settled issue, stressing that his achievements in all sectors is unmatched. He challenged the opposition APC governorship candidate to a debate, adding that the PDP will win in the 25 local government areas of the State.

  • Ibori loses appeal against United Kingdom graft conviction

    EX-Delta State Governor James Ibori has lost an appeal against his conviction in London, United Kingdom (UK).

    He was jailed in Britain for laundering tens of millions of dollars in stolen public funds, through British banks and acquisition of properties.

    Ibori was governor of oil-producing Delta State for eight years.

    He had pleaded guilty in a London court in 2012 to a 10-count charge of fraud and money-laundering, involving at least 50 million pounds ($66 million).

    He received a 13-year jail sentence of which he served half, as is common in the British system.

    Ibori, who is now back in Nigeria, appealed against his conviction, alleging misconduct by British Police and prosecutors, which he argued, tainted the judicial process.

    The UK Court of Appeal yesterday declined Ibori’s application for leave to appeal his conviction.

    The former governor has decided to head for the Court of Appeal at the European Court of Human Rights.

    In a statement yesterday, Ibori’s Media Assistant Tony Eluemunor, quoted him as saying: “At 11 a.m. today, judgment of the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, was handed down. Once again, the British Courts have unjustifiably denied me justice.  The injustice contrived against me continued at the Court of Appeal. By this denial, I have been prevented from challenging my conviction even though the Crown Prosecution accepts the fact that there was a proven case of police corruption.

    “The Court of Appeal declined my application for leave to appeal my conviction based on Crown Prosecution (CPS) and Police disclosure failures compounded by police corruption unearthed way before I even arrived in the UK. The allegation of police corruption, at least of Mr. John Macdonald, the Investigating Police Officer in my case, started on or about 10th of September 2007 while I was still in Nigeria. This issue of police corruption was raised by a different agency of the UK government working on an entirely different case at the time

    “This material fact should have been disclosed to my legal team on my arrival in the UK. But it was not disclosed because the Crown Prosecution Service and the London Metropolitan Police knew the devastating and fatal impact that would have had on the case against me. The UK authorities chose deliberately to cover it up, even though my legal team asked that all-important question in open court.

    “This continued cover-up, which is inimical to justice delivery, has been displayed again today by the Court of Appeal when it denied me the opportunity to appeal my conviction at the Appeal Court and possibly the Supreme Court of England and Wales.”

  • Ibori loses appeal against UK graft conviction

    James Ibori, who was jailed in Britain for laundering tens of millions of dollars in stolen public funds, through British banks and properties, lost an appeal against his conviction in London on Wednesday.

    Ibori was governor of oil-producing Delta State in Southern Nigeria for eight years.

    He had pleaded guilty in a London court in 2012 to a 10-count charge of fraud and money-laundering, involving sums amounting to at least 50 million pounds ($66 million).

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    He received a 13-year jail sentence of which he served half, as is common in the British system.

    Ibori, who is now back in Nigeria, appealed against his conviction, alleging misconduct by British Police and prosecutors, which he argued, tainted the judicial process.

  • President, Okowa, Ibori mourn Dafinone, Okogwu

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and ex-Governor James Ibori have sent condolences to the family of the late Senator David Dafinone, a Second Republic legislator, who represented Bendel South in former Bendel State.

    Buhari, Okowa and Ibori also joined the business community in mourning the passing of renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ojise of Asaba, Chief Sunny Okogwu.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, commiserated with the government and people of Delta State, Dafinone’s business associates and friends.

    He assured them the senator, who was a renowned chartered accountant, lived a life of service to God and the nation.

    He hailed the senator’s disposition to serve the Federal Government whenever he was called upon, while always promoting democratic values and culture among his people.

    Buhari prayed that the almighty God would receive the soul of the departed and comfort his family.

    The President sent condolences to family and friends of Ojise of Asaba, whose love and care for the poor and downtrodden remains historical, especially in Kaduna, where he spent most of his life.

    In a separate statement, the President also recommended to other Nigerians the detribalised and cosmopolitan outlook of Okogwu, who, he said, developed strong and meaningful relationships outside his roots, and graciously invested in the transformation of many lives.

    Buhari believed Okogwu’s business acumen also reflected in his large-heartedness as he contributed generously to communities’ growth across the country.

    The President prayed that the chief would find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

    He urged his family to carry on with the legacies of the iconic businessman.

    Okowa commiserated with the Asagba-In-Council and the people of Asaba over the demise of Okogwu.

    The governor’s condolence was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu yesterday in Asaba.

    He said the deceased spent his entire life in the service of humanity, especially by helping the underprivileged in his native Asaba and Sabon-Gaya Community in Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State.

    Okowa said the life and times of the industrialist and philanthropist deserve to be documented for posterity.

    Ibori expressed sadness over the departure of Okogwu and Dafinone.

    The for governor, in separate statements issued by his Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, described the two men as exceptional, leaving indelible legacies in the lives of Delta State and its various peoples.

    He said: “Chief Okogwu was indeed one of my sureties and he offered his Ship House as a bond to meet my bail conditions. His fragrant memory will always linger in my mind. May God grant him eternal rest.”

  • Ibori mourns Okogwu, Dafinone

    EX-Delta State Governor James Ibori has expressed sadness at the death of Chief Sunny Okogwu, and Senator David Dafinone.

    Ibori, in statements by his media assistant, Tony Eluemunor, described the two men as exceptional.

    Describing Okogwu, Ibori said:  “Though Okogwu was every inch a Delta State indigene, and was particularly proud of his Asaba root and the town’s title of Ojisi, which he held, he at the same time felt very much at home in the pre-eminent northern city of Kaduna. His remarkably picturesque house, the “Ship House” is a tourist masterpiece.

    “Indeed, Chief Okogwu was a political reference point in Kaduna for decades. He achieved this status well-before his brother-in-law, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd) became the president and remained so for the decades after IBB had left office.

    “Okogwu remained very colourful until his death. His press interviews and political statements were always as fiery as they were difficult to decipher. He once said he needed to be first decoded in order to be understood.

    ‘’What was not in doubt was his business acumen; he built his business empire in an area that many Nigerian businessmen and women would rather leave well alone; aviation. He had the dream of training pilots locally and manufacturing aircraft parts.

    “Chief Okogwu, all through his life, always threw his doors open to people from the Midwest Region, Bendel and later Delta states. I experienced his remarkable generosity during my brief stay in Kaduna prison. Chief Okogwu was indeed one of my sureties and he offered his Ship House as a bond to meet my bail conditions. His fragrant memory will always linger in my mind. May God grant him eternal rest”, he said.

    Speaking about Senator Dafinone, Ibori noted that he rendered a remarkable service to Delta and Nigeria, describing him as a “Jack of many trades.

    “Though David Dafinone was globally known as a chartered accountant, one of the few ones who made it into the Guinness Book of Records – his family has the largest number of accountants in the world, he actually studied economics.

    ‘’He combined this with part-time professional accountancy examinations as he progressed through the university. As he graduated with a degree in economics, he was also acquiring his professional certificate in Accountancy at the same time.

  • Ibori backs restructuring

    Former Delta Governor James Ibori yesterday urged Southsouth Governor’s Forum not to relent in their battle for the restructuring of the country.

    He said the south/south governors forum had the commitment to ensure that the battle for restructuring was carried to the “finish line”.

    His words:”I have been watching the south/ south governors forum from the sidelines and I have no doubt that they will carry the battlele to the finish line”.

    Ibori, who spoke at the inauguration of the Sapele Modern Market in Sapele,lamented that despite the presence of three power generation stations Delta State suffers acute power outage.

    He said he had strong emotions over the Sapele Ultra Modern Market because his mother owned shops at the market.

    His words: “I have  a very sentimental attachment to the market.My mother had stalls .As a young man,I used to come here to come here to see my mother.I am overwhelmed by emotions”.

    The Sapele Modern Market which has 1523 shops was gutted by fire in 2005.

  • Tambuwal meets Okowa, Wike, Ibori in Delta

    Tambuwal meets Okowa, Wike, Ibori in Delta

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal yesterday met with Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and former Delta State Governor James Ibori at Asaba, the Delta State capital.

    The governors retired to the Delta State Government House after attending a showcase of Delta’s Youths Empowerment Programme.

    Tambuwal, elected on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He defected to the APC at the last minute in 2015 to pick the ticket to run for governor. He won and succeeded Aliyu Wamako, who is now a senator.

    Tambuwal has been speculated as one of those the PDP is prospecting as a possible presidential candidate in the 2019 election. He has not reacted to the speculations which gained more ground after last weekend’s PDP convention.

    There was excitement as Okowa and Ibori rode into the venue.

    The large crowd mostly PDP faithful broke into a chorus as they arrived for the products exhibition and business fair to showcase the Okowa administration’s youth empowerment programme. Many government functionaries also turned up.

    The Okowa administration’s youth empowerment programme centres on its Skills Training &Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP).

    The twin-scheme has trained 2,324 unemployed youths and established them in their choice enterprises.

    Ibori recalled with nostalgia the day he transferred power on May 29 2007 Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

    He said: “I come into this arena Asaba Arcade with a great sense of nostalgia. I remember that it was at this venue on the 29th of May 2007 that I transferred power to Dr Eweta Uduaghan.  Since that time, this is my first outing here and I am indeed very pleased that you have invited me to be with my people. Thank you very much for this opportunity”.

    He praised Okowa for empowering the unemployed youths in the State, while endorsing the incumbent Gov. Okowa for a second term in office

    He said, “The day the people of Delta made that choice to make you their governor, they did it knowing full well that you will deliver and thank God you are delivering. Let me place on record my gratitude to you for remembering our unemployed youths, because at the end of the day when you and I are gone, they will be the ones to take over.

    ”I might be watching from the sidelines, but today I want to make it abundantly clear again that you are doing very well .May God continue to guide you, give you peace and sharpen your vision so that at the end of your tenure in eight years  so that Delta will be the best for it,”

    Tambuwal arrived after the ceremony. He only joined to see the exhibition while Wike was part of the event.

    At the end of the ceremony Tambuwal left for the Government House with Okowa and Ibori