President Muhammadu Buhari has been told by top political figures in the Niger Delta to exploit the return of, and the person of Chief James Onanefe Ibori back to the country to unlock the enormous challenges of the Niger Delta.
While speaking during the grand reception in welcoming Chief Ibori in Oghara, Delta state, the Chairman of oil-rich Warri North local government Area of Delta state, Chief Francis Maku, joined by members of Leadership of the Niger Delta, said the blueprint for the Niger Delta people that was put in place by Chief Ibori but neglected by previous government has again been activated by the current administration which lead to the recent visit of the vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to the neglected Niger Delta region recently.
According to him, the government of President Buhari should as a matter of urgency invite the Chief Ibori who is the owner of the territory to guide the presidency on how he was able restore peace in Niger Delta and Delta State during the ethnic crisis that rocked the foundation of the State.
Meanwhile, Chief Maku called on the former governor of Delta state not to withdraw but step up his commitment and struggle in ensuring that the people of the Niger Delta take back the stage through various government presence and development.
Speaking on the influence of Ibori, Maku said that the honour and wonderful welcome party by National Larders of the Nation, Governors from various states, captains of industries, Ministers, Senators and the who is who in Nigeria, shows the world that the owner of the Jungle is back on stage, while stressing that “The resourceful and impactful life that James Ibori lived as a Governor cannot be uncelebrated”.
While appealing to the people of the Niger Delta region to remain calm he called on them to prevail on James Ibori to avail himself ones again and be willing to keep the struggle which lead to the amnesty program during the Musa Yar’Adua’s administration.
“What Niger Delta is enjoying as amnesty was achieved through the strong relationship that existed between James Ibori and former President Yar’Aadua,” Maku concluded.