IBORI: a 67 -year -old political dynamo, from Magnus Onyibe

Only one name: it is a remarkable figure that served two consecutive terms as a governor of the state of the delta from 1999 to 2007.

To celebrate his 67th birthday on Monday 4 August, I chose to reflect on the person of Iberi, offering a tribute of the character, especially for those who have not had the opportunity to meet the calm, composed, caring and extraordinarily philanthropic leader.

Many Nigeriani-In particular those of the nine Delta states of the Niger who produce oil-potrehs do not promptly remember that Iberori was a key force behind the agitation for the regional control of oil and gas, the vital resources buried under their ground.

It was through his relentless defense – Along other governors of the Niger delta – that the federal government was finally forced to increase the allocation of the derivation from the revenue of oil and gas to the region. What was once a miserable 3% rose to 13%, which states still receive monthly by the Federation’s allocation Committee (FAAC).

This result, conquered and expensive, expensive at the expense of the life and freedom of ibori-has marked a turning point in the development of a region that had long been neglected, despite the fact that it was the economic heartbeat of the nation due to its vast oil and gas reserves.

These resources, which represent over 40% of the Nigeria GDP, 95% of profit in foreign currency and over 70% of the government’s revenues, have immensely blessed the Niger delta. However, the Region has suffered greatly due to the recklessness of the international oil companies (CI), whose exploitation – not responsible exploration – has been guided to environmental devastation. The result was a wave of militancy, since the premises resisted further exploitation and degradation of their land.

It was in these disorders that Iberi emerged as the first democratically elected governor of the state of the delta in 1999, coinciding with the return of Nigeria to multi -party democracy. He assumed the formidable task of reconciling peace and development, two objectives that, at the time, seemed irreconcilable in an environment full of conflicts.

At the end of his two terms in 2007, Iberori had managed to calm the tensions and the start of large -scale infrastructure projects that transformed the state.

Before immersing yourself more deeply in the way the chief James Onanefe ibori-Noto popularly from his ever-growing base of admirers such as “Odidigborgbo”-he transformed the Delta Status from a outbreak of conflict into a development area, it is worth examining why the term political dynamo is such a suitable description for him.

As a governor and national political figure, Iberori played a fundamental role in the care of a generation of leaders who dominated the policy of the state of the delta and throughout the country. He built not only physical infrastructures but also institutions and people, leaving a legacy that continues to model the political landscape today.

Describing former governor James Onanefe Iberi as a political dynamo is no coincidence. A Dinamo, by definition, refers to someone, is a leader, an activist or a public figure, who exerts enormous energy and influence in their field.

But what makes the chief Iberi worthy of this title?

To respond to this, I invite readers to join me on a journey into the person and the political legacy of this extraordinary figure.

A rapid research that uses the Google AI tool defines a “political dynamo” as a leader with boundless energy, a strong charisma and effectiveness in their role, someone with persuasive skills, leadership strength and ability to inspire and mobilize others.
Those who are familiar with Iberori will agree that this description adapts perfectly: his person and vision of the political world are well aligned with these attributes.

And there is more.

Below are five key traits of a political dynamo, each of which IBORI clearly has:

1. Exceptional communication

Iberori has constantly demonstrated the ability to transmit his vision and connect with a different audience, therefore its support base expanded exponentially beyond the state of the delta, through the lines of the party and national level. His interest in the media and communication is evident in his investments both in printing and transmission platforms.

2. Charisma

His magnetic presence continues to attract crazy, even a long time after leaving the assignment. An example was the massive reception he received in 2016 at Benin airport, on his return from the United Kingdom. Although he resigns as governor in 2007, almost two decades ago, Iberori remains a figure widely admired and respected throughout Nigeria. His popularity in public events is a testimony of the natural charisma he brings.

3. Strategic thinking

When Iberi became governor in 1999, Delta State was bogged down in ethnic conflicts, in particular between the communities of Ijaw and Itsekiri. Warri, The Oil Hub, was a virtual battlefield. Through skilled diplomacy and strategic leadership, Iberori has contributed to peace broker among war groups, bringing stability to the region. His ability to mediate and find solutions remains widely respected between the interested parties of the public and private sector.

4. Passion and resolution

His determination to fight for the rights of the Niger delta and his resources placed him in the sights of powerful interests. Yet, although he had to face a serious persecution – including incarceration abroad – resilient, undaunted and more committed than ever to serve Nigeria emerged.

5. Adaptability

One of the most surprising features of Iberi is its ability to adapt and remain relevant despite the change in political climates. Instead of fading, its influence has grown, transmitting the Niger delta and the southern Nigeria on the national stage. Its relevant political relevance, both within and outside the government, is a rare company.

Iberori has shown an extraordinary ability to survive and thrive in the dangerous political land of Nigeria, full of pitfalls and obstacles. Many had canceled him, but he challenged the expectations and continued to grow in importance and influence.

It is not a surprise, therefore, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – his contemporary in the 1999 governors’ class – said “Akpa but Ku” to Yoruba, who means “the man who refused to be killed”.

This recognition underlines Iberi’s political force. In addition to Lagos, where the political structure of President Tinubu remained intact – The state of Delta is the only other state in which a political dynasty established in 1999 resisted continuously. That structure, built by Iberi, has produced every delta governor from its exit:
• Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (2007-2015)
• Dr. Ifeanyi Okowo (2015–2023)
• Sheriff Sheriff Oborevwori (2023 – present)

Like all families, biological or political, Iberi’s political family faced internal disputes, especially during the advantage of the 2023 elections. However, as an expert and uniform leader, he embraced reconciliation and unity with the philosophy of “Let Bygones Be -gones”.
Today, that political family is taking back the strength, with renewed attention to development and democratic dividends for the people of the delta.

What many may not know is that beyond politics, Iberori is a businessman consumed who prefers to remain in the shadow just as he played an important role in social development in the state of the delta and in the nation in general. It is a key private investor in education, having founded and financed a university. His philanthropic work also includes scholarships for disadvantaged students, supporting them from secondary school to tertiary levels. For a complete dissemination, it is a beneficiary of the Lberi scholarship fund for my doctoral program.

Recently, in a launch of a book in honor of the chief Gabriel Igbinedion-the father of his near ally, the former governor Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State-Ibero has made a significant donation of ₦ 100 million to promote education and knowledge.

He remains a man of the people, at ease with the rich and the poor. It is accessible, humble and deeply human. Having known for over three decades-as friend, “Senior brother of another mother” to put him in the local language, and during my four-year service as a commissioner under his administration as a governor (2003-2007)-me to say confidence that I have never seen Ibero losing patience or raising the voice. It is calm, reflective and is not afraid to admit when he is wrong, even to shed light on his incorrect judges. That simplicity is part of its charm.

In politics, as in every aspect of leadership, the final measure is delivery. And during his period in office, Iberi delivered impressively. Under his watch, Delta State saw an unprecedented infrastructure growth: from the bridges that connected the communities of Creek, to vast road networks, to the foundation of schools, polytechnics, universities, education colleges, sports academies and nursing institutions.

He left an inclusive heritage of development, with projects spread in all three senatorial areas. His governance model was oriented to people and balanced.

It is reassuring that the current governor, the Sheriff Oborevwori, has continued on this path, supporting the development of infrastructures throughout the state. Without a doubt, this would be a source of great pride for Ibero, which sees the state to continue on his path upwards, building prosperity for Delans faithful to the political family he founded.

While I will mark the 67th birthday of Capo James Onanefe Iberi – only three steps from the seventh decade – I encourage his family, friends and supporters to reflect on his legacy of leadership, defined by humility, dignity and a profound respect for democratic ideals.

● Magnus Onyibo, an entrepreneur, analyst of public policies, author, defender of democracy, development strategist and pupil of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA, is a scholar of the Commonwealth Institute and former commissioner in the government of the state of the delta. He sent this piece from Lagos, Nigeria

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