Former governor of Delta State James Ibori has taken to social media to celebrate his daughter Erhriatake Ibori-Suenu on her 45th birthday. In a message shared on Sunday, Mr Ibori highlighted her journey and contributions as a politician and a proud member of his family.
Mrs. Ibori-Suenu currently represents the Ethiope federal constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives. Reflecting on her accomplishments, Ibori praised his daughter for her courage and steadfastness in defending principles larger than personal gain.
“Today, 45 years ago, God almighty gave you to the family. I celebrate you with immense pride and gratitude,” the former governor wrote. “Over the years, you have grown into a fearless and principled leader, standing firm against compromise and defending values greater than personal gain. Your decision to walk in my footsteps politically has been vindicated. Without you, the assaults on my legacy might have prevailed.”
He further expressed gratitude for the mentors and supporters who have been part of her journey, while wishing her divine wisdom and strength to continue making an impact. “You have made your immediate family proud, your siblings proud, and your constituency proud. Above all, you have made me profoundly proud,” Ibori wrote. “On behalf of my wife, your siblings, and our entire family, I pray that today is as remarkable as the impact you make every day. Happy 45th Celebration, Erhriatake! May the years ahead shine even brighter.”
Ibori-Suenu’s political journey has been marked by bold decisions. In December 2024, she defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which she was elected to the House of Representatives in 2023, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her father, a close ally of President Bola Tinubu, remains a member of the PDP.
Incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and all members of the PDP in Delta State defected to the APC in April four months after Ibori-Suenu. There are pressures on Ibori to defect to the APC headed by President Tinubu with whom he is a member of the 1999/2007 class of governors.
