Delta: Jealousy, Not Facts, Behind Attacks On Ibori-Suenu — APC Chieftain

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Gabriel Choba, has condemned what he described as a “campaign of calumny” against Hon. (Mrs.) Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, member representing the Ethiope Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives, saying the attacks were borne out of ‘jealousy’ and fear of her growing political influence.

Choba, in a statement on Friday, accused a former lawmaker, Hon. Hallims Agoda, of spearheading the baseless allegations of poor representation against Ibori-Suenu. He said Agoda’s criticisms reflected “the frustration of a man who is hungry, thirsty, and always wishing to occupy the seat forever, which is not possible.”

According to the APC stalwart, Agoda’s 12 years in the Green Chamber yielded “little beyond empty rhetoric,” while Ibori-Suenu, within a shorter time, has recorded tangible achievements that have impacted her constituency. “The unfounded claims of poor performance are in stark contrast with the tremendous contributions Ibori-Suenu has made to her community and the nation at large,” Choba stated.

Highlighting her legislative strides, Choba cited the Nigerian Customs Training College, Oghara (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2316) and the Nigerian Paramedic College, Isiokolo (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2317) as landmark efforts that demonstrated the female lawmaker’s commitment to education and youth empowerment. “These initiatives are nearing fruition and will transform the academic and professional landscape of Ethiope,” he said.

The APC chieftain further listed several constituency projects championed by Ibori-Suenu, including road construction in Igun, the installation of streetlights, and numerous youth and women empowerment programs, which he said have “brought unprecedented development” to Ethiope Federal Constituency.

Choba also took a swipe at the Ethiope Federal Constituency Forum, led by Chief Ighoyota Amori, accusing the group of holding “frequent meetings aimed at undermining the lawmaker’s progress,” including an alleged failed recall attempt. “Their destabilising efforts represent a misguided attempt to diminish the contributions of a rising Niger Delta Amazon,” he said.

He described as “unfortunate and ironic” that some of Ibori-Suenu’s fiercest critics were once beneficiaries of Chief James Ibori’s mentorship, saying it is “a betrayal that those who rose through Ibori’s guidance would now deny support to his daughter, who is delivering beyond expectations.”

Choba urged leaders and stakeholders in Ethiope to rally behind Ibori-Suenu rather than tear her down, emphasising that her focus remains on service, not politics. “Her commitment to progress and people-oriented representation is unwavering,” he said. “Those who attack her are doing so out of envy, not reason — because her growing influence has become too loud to ignore.”