Ibori mourns Okpozo, says he fought for betterment of entire South-South

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori has described the death of Second Republic Senator, Francis Okpozo, who died in Benin City at 81 as a devastating blow to Delta State, the South-South and the entire country.

“Senator Okpozo was an indefatigable fighter for the betterment of the Niger Delta.” Ibori said in a statement issued by his media aide, Tony Eluemunor

He added, “We can all recall that during the last national confab, Pa Okpozo’s voice was strident in calling for increased derivation per centage for the oil producing states, even as he warned of the consequences of the injuries that would be done to Nigeria if fiscal federalism was not made a reality in the country .”

Ibori said that the leadership qualities in Okpozo came to the fore when he emerged a Deputy-Speaker of the defunct Bendel State House of Assembly. Since then, he always remained a voice of reason whenever serious national issues was being discussed.

Ibori added that Okpozo was a tireless peacemaker who toiled night and day to ensure that peace reigned in Delta State, and prayed God to grant Okpozo’s immediate family the strength to bear the irreparable loss, pointing out that his achievements in diverse areas as of national life will never be forgotten.