As the thrill and frenzy surrounding the return of Chief James Ibori continues, there are strong indications that the kinsmen of the former governor are currently perfecting plans to hold a thanksgiving service in his honour.
Investigations by our correspondent yesterday indicated that members of the Ibori's Freedom Thanksgiving Committee are assiduously plugging all loopholes to ensure that the event slated for Sunday, February 12 will be entirely successful.
Findings showed that the thanksgiving service will hold at the First Baptist Church, Ogharefe, Oghara with a kick off time of 10:00 am prompt, just as clerics, including the resident pastor of the church, Rev. God'spower Iweh have been billed to play active roles in the event.
Chief James Ibori being cheered by his supporters.
It was gathered that the organizers of the church programme intend keeping it at a low key as no official invitation has been sent to friends and political ally of Ibori who returned to Nigeria on Saturday.
Despite the intention of keeping the ceremony at a low level, it was learnt that traditional rulers in the state, especially the ones of the Urhobo nationality are expected to show physical presence at the event.
Chairman of the thanksgiving committee, Chief Emmanuel Ighomena neither took nor returned telephone calls placed across to him yesterday, while the committee's secretary, Hon. Moses Ogbe declined comments and directed our correspondent to Chief Henry Ofa, the publicity secretary of the committee.
Contacted, Ofa said "The thanksgiving service is being organized by the community to appreciate God who kept the life of our leader and sustained him throughout the trial period in the UK. We intend making it a low key event".
Although there have been a face-lift in some parts of the community, particularly the clearing of drainages and renovation of parts of the Oghara Township Stadium, Ofa disclosed that there are no plans to float a post thanksgiving grand ceremony after the church thanksgiving service.
Chief James Ibori (Right) and his cousin, Chief Henry Ofa in London.
Nonetheless, some residents of the community who got wind of the information expressed readiness to storm the church venue which is besides the United Bank for Africa (UBA) that is located on the Ajagbodudu road of Ogharefe, a subclan of Oghara kingdom.
Meanwhile, sources claimed Ibori was, yesterday, sighted around the premises of the First Baptist Church, Ogharefe where his thanksgiving service has been scheduled to hold. If it is true, then this outing makes it the fifth time Ibori is going out since he returned from the UK.
He was said to have arrived the church premises at the early hours of yesterday and was flanked by some of his close kinsmen, including the Ethiope West Local Government Chairman, Hon. Solomon Golley.
It was gathered that Ibori, as has been his culture, made a financial provision for free snacks to all the pupils and teachers of Alpha Baptist Nursery and Primary School which is being run by the church and also domiciled in its premises.
Ibori's kinsmen, Hon. Onome Ojo (Left) and Ben Igbakpa
He was said to have immediately proceeded into the residence of Rev. Iweh obviously to finalize plans regarding the February 12 thanksgiving service.
The former governor, after several minutes of a secluded meeting with the cleric, was also said to have come out of the house, waved at supporters and drove off to his house where he continued with the reception of his endless visitors, including scores of traditional rulers in Delta State who assembled and had a wonderful time with the former governor at around 10:05am yesterday.
But a source within the church denied Ibori's visit to the cleric.
Efforts to confirm the information were unsuccessful as Golley didn't pick up telephone calls that was placed across to him, just as Iweh could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Delta State former Governor, Chief James Ibori has disclosed his political intentions in Nigeria. Ibori said he is a politician and will always remain one despite his travail.
But a source within the church denied Ibori's visit to the cleric.
Efforts to confirm the information were unsuccessful as Golley didn't pick up telephone calls that was placed across to him, just as Iweh could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Delta State former Governor, Chief James Ibori has disclosed his political intentions in Nigeria. Ibori said he is a politician and will always remain one despite his travail.
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