A former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, has explained why he supported Ifeanyi Okowa to become governor of the state.

He said despite his incarceration, his support for governor from Delta North saw the emergence of Mr Okowa in 2015, and was based on justice, equity and fairness.

Mr Ibori stated this when he received a delegation of Ndi Anioma led by Emmanuel Efeizomor, the Obi of Owa, and chairman, Delta Council of Traditional Rulers, in his home in Oghara on Saturday.

He commended the Delta North (Anioma) people for the visit and for their prayers which made freedom possible.

He said the massive support he received from the Aniomas in his quest for governorship in 1998 prompted his choice of an Anioma indigene as his deputy.

“My believe in justice, equity and fairness informed my firm support for an Anioma governor which has come to pass with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the saddle”, I bori added.

He promised to continue to identify with Anioma people and urged them to remain united and support Okowa to succeed.

Earlier, the Owa monarch had commended Mr Ibori for his disposition to advance the political course of Anioma people.

He said that the five years absence of the former governor was greatly felt by Deltans, particularly the political class and members of the Peoples’ Democracy Party (PDP).

The monarch added that Ibori’s return would change the political landscape of the state ahead of 2019 elections.

Others on the delegation were Chief Benjamin Elue, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, Dr. Chris Agbobu, Chief Theodora Giwa-Amu, traditional rulers, legislators and members of the State Executive Council from Delta North.