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Tag: Ibori

  • Ibori Golf Club launches Governor’s Cup to celebrate Oborevwori at 62

    Ibori Golf Club launches Governor’s Cup to celebrate Oborevwori at 62

    The Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC), Asaba, has unveiled plans for the maiden edition of the Governor’s Cup Invitational Golf Tournament, an event specially organized to commemorate the 62nd birthday of the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who turns 62 on June 19.

    Announcing the event in a statement issued in Asaba on Monday, the Club Captain, Chief Patrick Ukah, revealed that the prestigious week-long tournament will bring together over 300 participants, including top golfing professionals, amateur players, and VIP guests from across Nigeria and beyond.

    Ukah, who also serves as the Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, explained that the Governor’s Cup is more than a celebration of Governor Oborevwori’s birthday.

    “It is also a tribute to 33 years of peaceful co-existence among Delta State’s diverse ethnic communities. The event aims to foster unity, promote sportsmanship, and encourage excellence through the noble game of golf.”

    The tournament is scheduled to take place from Monday, June 23 to Saturday, June 28 at the lush greens of the Ibori Golf and Country Club. The activities will tee off on June 23 with the Caddy Tournament at 8:00 AM. This will be followed by the two-day Pros Event on Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26, both starting at 7:00 AM. These sessions will feature some of Nigeria’s finest professional golfers competing for prize money totaling N3 million.

    On Friday, June 27, the qualifying rounds for club members and specially invited guests will commence at 7:00 AM. The grand finale takes place on Saturday, June 28, featuring 80 finalists and VIP players competing for honors, with tee-off also scheduled for 7:00 AM.

    The tournament will culminate in a glamorous dinner and prize presentation ceremony at 6:00 PM on the same day.

    Chief Ukah noted that the Governor’s Cup follows closely on the heels of the recently concluded IGCC “Captain’s Day Tournament” and the celebration of Governor Oborevwori’s two years in office.

    According to him, “these events reflect the club’s broader vision of using golf as a platform to boost tourism, stimulate economic activity, and attract investment to Delta State and its capital, Asaba.”

    He expressed gratitude to the various corporate sponsors, golfing partners, and friends of the Ibori Golf and Country Club for their generous support in making the tournament a reality.

    “The Governor’s Cup is not just about golf, it’s a celebration of leadership, unity, and the remarkable progress our state has made under the watch of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,” Ukah concluded.

  • Omo-Agege celebrates Ibori-Suenu at 45

    Omo-Agege celebrates Ibori-Suenu at 45

    The Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has eulogised Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, representing Ethiope East/Ethiope West federal constituency in the House of Representatives as a trail blazer in the bid to have a new generation of credible and fearless leaders.

    Omo-Agege, in a birthday message to Erhiatake, commended her for following the footprints of her father and our leader Chief James Ibori, a former governor of Delta State, admonishing her to uphold her father’s legacy of service, honour and relentless fight for the uplifting of Delta State and the entire Niger Delta region.

    “I am proud of what you have accomplished, your drive and fearless attitude in upholding the virtues you hold dear. Your pedigree has distinguished you among the younger generation as our country bids to chart a new course with your generation leading the charge.

    “I celebrate you, my dear Erhiatake. Continue to make us proud. May the Almighty God reinforce you with the strength to make our society better. Happy birthday my chairman “

  • Ethiope: Constituents demand immediate recall of Ibori’s daughter from HoR [VIDEO]

    Ethiope: Constituents demand immediate recall of Ibori’s daughter from HoR [VIDEO]

    After holding an exhaustive critical stakeholders meeting of Ethiope Federal Constituency in Delta State, it was collectively agreed that Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu should be recalled from the HoR.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports this demand was announced by the leader of Ethiope Federal Constituency, Senator Atuyota Amori in a video.

    Recall that she defected to the ruling party APC despite taking an oath not to defect from PDP.

    Watch video below:

  • Omo-Agege hails Ibori on birthday, says he remains anchor for greater Niger Delta

    Omo-Agege hails Ibori on birthday, says he remains anchor for greater Niger Delta

    Chief James Onanefe Ibori has been described as the father of modern Delta State and a valiant fighter for the interests of the Niger Delta people.

    In a message to celebrate the first Fourth Republic governor of Delta State, immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege said Chief Ibori who is 66 years today, became the rallying point for the emergence of the Niger Delta from prolonged years of exploitation and neglect to a region that began getting its due.

    “Today’s leaders in Niger Delta owe it to Chief Ibori for his focus and doggedness in the resource control struggle that eventually led to what the region gets today as derivation fund. It is not yet a finished job, but the leaders have the accomplishments of Chief Ibori in that regard to build on,” Omo-Agege said in his birthday message to Ibori.

    “I congratulate His Excellency on his 66th birthday. He has done a lot for the people, but a lot of battles are ahead to be fought and won. He remains the anchor for the march to a greater Delta State and Niger Delta.

    “I pray the Most High God grants him long life in excellent health as he continues to contribute towards the progress of Delta State and our country, Nigeria.

    “Happy birthday, Your Excellency.”

  • Delta group expresses concern over Ibori’s links to APC

    Delta group expresses concern over Ibori’s links to APC

    The Delta Consensus Group, DCG has expressed concern over reports of discord in the once united political family led by former Governor James Ibori, saying that the unity forged by the group helped to frame peace in Delta State.

    The group in a statement issued by its national coordinator, Manny Onye expressed concern that those it described as political adventurers who were major conspirators in Ibori’s troubles have now become his hangers-on.

    The group spoke against the background of speculations in Delta State that Ibori had abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP over divisions with the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

    “As a non-partisan group concerned with projecting the interest of Delta State we are seriously over the allegiance of the former governor who is still held in high respect among the populace for his charismatic leadership.

    “That leadership gave birth to his successors all of whom worked in one way or the other with him.”

    Noting that the rumour that Ibori had pledged allegiance to one of the governorship candidates who is rumoured to have worked against him after he, Ibori left office, the group said:

    “For many years while in office and out of office, many in the PDP remained loyal to Ibori while some within hours of losing sight of their political goals left the PDP family and flocked elsewhere.

    “It is interesting that this select few who have been continuously reported to have betrayed Ibori have now become his new friends.”

    Noting that a foreign political culture as preached by the APC cannot find traction in Delta, the group further said:

    “The rumour mill has it that Chief Ibori is inclined to the APC. We do not begrudge him that especially if he can use it to win favours for Delta. However, we affirm that it should stop there because he, Ibori knows the character of the party at the national level and at the state level is that of betrayal,” the group said as it affirmed that the former governor may not survive the psychological trauma of a second betrayal in the hands of his new friends in the APC.

  • Alleged loot: UK set to confiscate $129m seized from Ibori; risks 10-yr jail term [SEE DETAILS]

    Alleged loot: UK set to confiscate $129m seized from Ibori; risks 10-yr jail term [SEE DETAILS]

    …Ibori vows to fight till touchline

    …as final verdict maybe pronounced today (Friday)

    A state prosecutor has asked a London court to order the confiscation of more than 100 million pounds ($129 million) from Nigerian politician and ex-Delta State governor, James Ibori.

    The popular Ex-Governor had earlier been convicted for fraud in the United Kingdom and the spent years in prison in Britain.

    Ibori was extradited in 2011 from Dubai to London, where he was charged with laundering a “corruptly acquired fortune”.

    He pleaded guilty in 2012 to 10 counts of fraud and money laundering and received a 13-year jail sentence, an outcome hailed by Britain as a landmark in the struggle against corruption.

    With its highly developed financial and legal services and lucrative property market, Britain is a global money-laundering hub, but it is rare for the foreign kleptocrats it attracts to be prosecuted and Ibori’s case remains an outlier.

    After more than a decade of legal wrangling and court delays, attempts by prosecutors to confiscate funds considered to be the benefits of Ibori’s fraudulent activities now appear close to conclusion.

    Judge David Tomlinson of Southwark Crown Court has made factual findings regarding the funds.

    At a hearing last Thursday, both sides made competing arguments about how the confiscation figure should be calculated, taking into account the judge’s findings.

    He is expected to finalise and formally issue his order on Friday or shortly afterward.

    Lead prosecution counsel, Jonathan Kinnear, told the court that the total amount that should be confiscated from Ibori was 101.5 million pounds and that if he did not pay up he should be sentenced to between five and 10 years in prison.

    Having served half of his prison sentence in pre- and post-trial detention, as is common, Ibori returned to Nigeria in 2017 and did not attend last Thursday’s hearing.

    He told Reuters by text message he planned to appeal against the confiscation order.

    Ibori remains influential and well-connected in Nigerian politics. President Bola Tinubu, who was inaugurated in May, has hosted Ibori twice at the presidential villa, along with other former governors.

    Britain has pledged to return any money recovered from Ibori to Nigeria. In 2021, it returned 4.2 million pounds that had been confiscated from Ibori’s ex-wife and his sister, who also served jail time for helping him launder money.

    But reacting to Thursday’s proceeding on his Facebook page, the former Delta government said his hope was “rapidly fading” for a fair hearing.

    He also announced plans to seek redress and fight for justice in the highest courts in UK.

    He said, “Finally, the shenanigans in the Southwark Crown Court are drawing to a close. Judge Tomlinson is due to make a confiscation order which should be both realisable and not punitive.

    “However, after what transpired in court today my hopes are rapidly fading for any degree of fairness.

    “In the 2 years it has taken to write this judgment it seems apparent that he has forgotten many of the salient points and is prioritising expediency over justice.

    “The next step will be to take my fight for justice to the highest courts in the UK.”

  • Why we met Tinubu, Wike, Ibori, Makinde give reasons

    Why we met Tinubu, Wike, Ibori, Makinde give reasons

    Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has given reason himself, immediate past governor Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and former governor of Delta State (1999-2007), James Ibori, with President Bola Tinubu.

    Makinde said that the purpose of their visit was to show their support for the current administration.

    On the issue of subsidy, the Oyo State governor described it as a tough decision but that the president had started on the right note.

    He called for citizens’ support for the policy.

    Asked why they were in the Villa, Makinde said: “To let him know that he has started well and he has the support of the generality of the people.”

    Asked whether they discussed the subsidy issue, he said: “Yes, we discussed it. It’s something that is on top of public discuss right now. We know it’s a tough decision for the people and he needs the support of everybody to see this through.”

    Wike, also speaking on the subsidy removal said: “There’s no big deal about it, the governor of Oyo has told you what we came to do; to give him support. We are supporting all the decisions he’s taking. It shows that he’s prepared for the job and there’s nothing bad about that.

  • Just In: Wike, Ibori, Makinde in closed door session with president Tinubu

    Just In: Wike, Ibori, Makinde in closed door session with president Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu is in a meeting with the former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike the former governor of Delta State, James Ibori and the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Former Governors Wike, Ibori, Makinde arrived the State House at about 4:20 pm.

    Ibori and President Tinubu served as governors between 1999 and 2007, while Wike just left office after completing eight years.

    Wike and Makinde are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and belong to the group of governors, the G-5, that worked against their party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the February 25 elections.

    Ibori was said to have worked for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the last general elections as his candidate for the PDP governorship election lost to the candidate of the former governor Ifeanyi Okowa during the PDP primaries.

    There has been unconfirmed rumour that Ibori may soon defect to the APC, having lost control of the PDP in Delta State which he controlled for 16years.

    Wike on his own is having a running battle with the leadership of the PDP.

  • Gen Tuoyo: Okowa, Ibori, Manager, Oborevwori, others bid farewell to Uduaghan’s Late Father-In-Law

    Gen Tuoyo: Okowa, Ibori, Manager, Oborevwori, others bid farewell to Uduaghan’s Late Father-In-Law

    …as Uduaghan pour encomiums on him

    Late military administrator of old Ondo State and father-in-law of ex-Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Brigadier General Sunday Tuoyo was buried at the weekend in Warri, Delta State.

    Tuoyo in his last drive arrived at the First Baptist Church, Warri, for a funeral church service at 11am flanked by children and family members.

    A brown casket containing the remains of the deceased was conveyed into the church hall by senior military officers with the casket covered with Nigeria’s national flag.

    The General passed on Saturday 17, December 2022, in Lagos at the ripe age of 87.

    Tuoyo was the father of former Delta First Lady and wife of former Governor Uduaghan, Deaconess (Mrs) Roli Uduaghan.

    In his homily titled “Handling Issue of Death (the Christian Way)”, Rev. S. Adeleke described the late Tuoyo as an exemplary man who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.

    Rev. Adeleke told the children of the deceased and congregants to emulate Tuoyo’s lifestyle which exemplified peace, love and fear of God, saying that the ends of every man’s journey on earth is death

    While cautioning Christians to live like Jesus Christ, the cleric charged guests not to fear death but to be prepared for it as Christ repeatedly spoke about it to his disciples.

    Dignitaries including the state governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his wife, Dame Edith Okowa and former Governor James Ibori attended the burial ceremony.

    Others were; Delta Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro; Senator representing Delta South at the National Assembly, Senator James Manager; Speaker of the State House of Assembly and PDP governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; renowned media entrepreneur and founder of ThisDay Newspapers & Arise TV, Prince Nduka Nduka Obaigbena; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndidi Elumelu and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and chieftain of APC, Engr. Victor Ochei.

    Also in attendance; a former Delta Chief Judge, Justice Roseline Bozino; General and Mrs. Ike Nwachukwu; Udu of Olomu Kingdom, Olorogun John Oguma; House of Representatives member, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi; APC Delta South senatorial candidate, Hon. Joel Thomas-Onowhakpo; renowned economist, Mr. Bismarck Rewane; former NDDC Director of Projects, Engr. Omatsuli Tuoyo; APC chieftain, Hon. Chris Oghenechovwen; Chief Fred Majemite; and sports administrator, Hon. Solomon Ogba.

    Others are influential Itsekiri businessman, Chief Emma Uduaghan; former Delta Health Commissioner, Dr. Alex Ideh; immediate past Delta SSG, Mr. Chiedu Ebie Esq.; former Delta SSG under Uduaghan administration, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay; popular Warri-based lawyer, Mr. Ene Edah Esq.; former Delta Head of Service, Chief Peter Origho; three-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, former Press Secretary to Uduaghan, Mr. Linus Chima and members of the Delta State House of Assembly.

    Meanwhile, former Governor Uduaghan has described his late father-in-law, General Tuoyo, as a true definition of ‘patriotic Nigerian’ and nation builder who placed the interest of the country always above self during his lifetime.

    Uduaghan, in a tribute to the former military governor, said the late Tuoyo contributed immensely to the unity of the country especially during the military juntas and civil war where he gallantly defended the interest of the country.

    He noted that the deceased, aside being a father-in-law, took him as son and contributed so much to restoring peace to Niger Delta during the era of militancy when he held sway as two-term governor of the oil-rich state.

    While saying that General Tuoyo would be greatly missed by family and friends, he called on the Nigeria Government to honour those who made genuine efforts in keeping the country as one and did not take advantage of their positions to enrich themselves.

    “Daddy was a national builder. He made such sacrifices to keep the country as one. These are the types of people we must celebrate. There must be a way of remembering nation builders like General Tuoyo who we hardly heard of. We’ll greatly miss him”, Uduaghan eulogised.

    On his part, General Ike Nwachukwu, a close ally of the deceased, said General Tuoyo played a pivotal role in helping the Nigerian Government to defeat Biafra soldiers to keep the country as an indivisible entity.

    Nwachukwu, while paying glowing tribute to his friend, said “he was one of those who made the defeat of Biafra possible. He was the one who cut off supply to Biafra. He was a brave, intelligent and courageous officer. Like General Tuoyo, we must work for a country where there’s justice and equity.”

  • Just In: Ibori,Gen Nwanchukwu, Okowa’s wife, Oguma, others grace Uduaghan’s father -in-law burial

    Just In: Ibori,Gen Nwanchukwu, Okowa’s wife, Oguma, others grace Uduaghan’s father -in-law burial

    Powerful Nigerians, Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, General Ike Nwanchukwu, rtd, wife of Delta State Governor, Dame Edith Okowa, Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro and others attended the ongoing burial ceremony of former Military Administrator of Old Ondo State and father-in-law to Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, immediate past Governor of Delta State, Brigadier General Sunday Tuoyo, at the First Baptist Church, Warri, Delta State.

    The body of Brigadier General Tuoyo, father to former Delta First Lady and wife of former Governor Uduaghan, Deaconess (Mrs) Rolly Uduaghan, arrived the Church for final burial rites at 11am.

    A brown casket conveying the remains of the deceased was dressed in the Nigerian flag colours with his military uniform and carried into the Church by serving senior military officers.

    Dignitaries including wife of the state governor, Dame Edith Okowa; Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro; former Governor James Ibori; Senator representing Delta South, Senator James Manager; former Delta Chief Judge, Justice Roseline Bozino; General Ike Nwachukwu and Olorogun John Oguma.
    Others present are; Engr. Omatsuli Tuoyo, Hon. Joel Thomas-Onowhakpo, Hon. Chris Oghenechovwen, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, Dr. Alex Ideh and other political chieftains from different political parties including PDP and APC.

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