AT 68: WHY IBORI SHOULD BE CELEBRATED IN AND OUT OF SEASON — NUJ
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has called for the celebration of former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibor, i for his contributions to Delta State.
The Council made the call in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and Acting Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, and made available to the media.
The statement congratulated Ibori on attaining 68 years, describing his eight-year administration between 1999 and 2007 as significant in Delta State’s political and developmental history.
According to the NUJ, Ibori’s legacy should be assessed beyond political disagreements, with particular attention given to his contribution to the growth of the state’s public service.
The Council noted that thousands of young men and women were recruited into the Delta State Civil Service during his administration, particularly between 2000 and 2001.
It added that subsequent recruitment exercises in 2002 and 2006 further expanded the workforce, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the state’s human resource base.
The NUJ said the recruitments provided many Deltans with stable livelihoods, professional careers and opportunities to support their families and make long-term investments.
It was observed that civil servants during the period enjoyed greater economic confidence, enabling many workers to acquire land, build houses, purchase vehicles and educate their children.
The Council also acknowledged the administration’s investments in infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, which helped connect communities, improve transportation and facilitate economic activities across Delta State.
It further noted that education and healthcare received considerable attention, adding that subsequent administrations had built upon, expanded or modified several initiatives established during the Ibori years.
The NUJ also recalled that Ibori was regarded by many contemporaries as a leader who allowed commissioners, advisers and other appointees considerable room to exercise responsibility.
According to the Council, such an approach encouraged initiative, ownership of assignments and professional development among government officials entrusted with responsibilities during the administration.
The statement described the emergence of today’s senior public servants from the recruits of the early 2000s as one of the enduring legacies of the Ibori administration.
It stressed that many beneficiaries of those recruitment exercises had accumulated more than two decades of experience and risen to senior positions within the Delta State Public Service.
The NUJ said acknowledging Ibori’s positive contributions did not amount to ignoring controversies surrounding his public career, but represented an objective appreciation of history.
The Council therefore celebrated Ibori at 68, wishing him good health, peace and fulfilment, while urging society to remember achievements, examine shortcomings objectively and avoid unnecessary partisanship.
