Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori was over the weekend honoured with the chieftaincy title of Izonfini-Owei of Ijaw by the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom in Delta State, HRM Stanley P. Luke Kalanama.
According to Ibori’s Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, the investiture held in Akugbene town in Bomadi LGA, Delta.
The traditional ruler, according to the statement, hailed Ibori for bringing development to the area and the state as governor between 1999 and 2007.
He said, “The people of Akugbene reminded Ibori that until he built the 612 metres long Bomadi Bridge over River Forcados, at the cost $50 Million (USD) cars had no access to the Bomadi LGA and it other 11 communities. The Bridge made possible the first road connection between the Ijaw mainland and the riverine areas.”
The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was also present at the event, described Ibori as a “bold and courageous man” who took on a project that “that was nearly impossible for state governments to undertake.”
Recall that Ibori was jailed in London for stealing $250 million as governor of Delta.
He returned to Nigeria in 2016 after serving his jail term, which he is now fighting to overturn, accusing the police of corruption.
According to the statement, the Court of Appeal hearing in the Ibori London and associates cases continued at the weekend.