Delta group condemns Ibori’s ties with APC

The Delta Consensus Group (DCG) has condemned reports by some loyalists of the former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, saying the unity forged by the group helped to frame peace in the state.

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

It further spoke against speculations in Delta State that Ibori had abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over divisions with the immediate past governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa.

The DCG said: “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.

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“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.

“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 Star