By Ikhili   Monday EBALU, Benin City 

 Ahead 2019, former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori has endorsed the current governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for a second term in office and called on Deltans to support him to enable him complete his transformation agenda for the state.

 Chief Ibori who spoke at a reception hosted by Mr Mike Diden, the member representing Warri North State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly.  At the reception organised under the platform of Delta Political Vanguard in Oghara, Delta State weekend, Ibori that although he was still sleeping and resting. "I have a right to ask my people to support his administration until 2023 to be able to complete his agenda for Delta State"

 Speaking in pidgin English, he said, "it is true that I am still sleeping and resting and it is not time for me to start politics. I am very grateful for the way you leave what you are doing at home to come and welcome me. After I have rested, I will start to make comments and you people will hear what I have to say.

 "As a father, when a child shows you his report card that he passed his examination, you will clap for him. As a leader, when you see what is good, you applaud it.

 "Governor Okowa is laying a foundation for the development of Delta State and four years will not be enough and he will need another four years to continue to do this. I supports his agenda and I will back up what ever I say. When he finished, we shall continue from there"

 He urged all Deltans to be united and stay together. saying that they should maintain the peace in their respective domains particularly in the riverine areas as Okowa need  a peaceful atmosphere to perform.

 "You gave him the mandate, you should support him to actualize this mandate. We should continue to reposition our state as a strategic state in Nigeria. Be loyal to your governor,be loyal to your state", he said.

 Earlier, the leader of the Delta Political Vanguard, Mr Mike Diden told newsmen that the event was organized to welcome home the former governor, adding that wherever he wants them to go, they will go.