By Emma Amaize

Oghara- PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and the Ovie of Oghara in Ethiope-West local government area of Delta State , His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oreki II, maintained a tactical silence on the fate of former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori when the President paid a courtesy visit to the monarch at his palace, yesterday.

The President who came on a one-day official visit to Delta State took time off to visit the monarch after commissioning the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara He proceeded to Asaba, the state capital in Presidential Helicopter for a civic reception after inaugurating the Headquarters Nigerian Navy Logistics Command, also in Oghara.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that the President did not want to be dragged into the politics of manhunt for Ibori by the EFCC during his visit to Oghara and a gentleman agreement was reached beforehand that Ibori matter would not be raised.

He was led to the palace by his chief host, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan who went to the Benin Airport in Edo State to receive him. He was joined by his Edo , Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross-River and Akwa-Ibom counterparts, Comrade Adams Oshiomohole, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Chief Timipre Sylva, Liyel Imoke and Godswill Akpabio.

In his entourage were the Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Murtala Yar’Adua, his Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, Special Adviser, Media, Mr. Ima Niboro and others.

President Jonathan reiterated the determination of his government to enthrone a credible electoral system based on one man, one vote in the country, saying he was ready to work for the uplifting of the grassroots.

He was offered a land of 400×400 feet by Oghara people who thanked him for coming to inaugurate the projects. In the words of the monarch, “I wish to assure both the Federal and State Governments of a very peaceful environment for the smooth operations of these establishments”.

Contrary to the speculations that the people were going to protest against the President, Oghara people trooped out to welcome him. President Jonathan accepted the land given to him by the monarch, saying he would develop it if he is opportune to have the money to do so in future.

Inagurating the Teaching Hospital, President Jonathan said besides the training of manpower, it would help to reduce medical expenses of Nigerians abroad and commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for executing the project.