WHY I PLEADED GUILTY- IBORI OPENS UP

Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori yesterday disclosed that he never for once doubted his prospect of returning to Nigeria and reuniting with his friends, political associates and kinsmen in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

Ibori also dismissed insinuations that he was guilty of the offences to which he admitted in 2012, disclosing that at the point of his trial, his guilty plea was the only available escape route from the malevolent plot of his enemies. 

The former governor spoke in Oghara during a thanksgiving service organized by the leadership of the Community. The church service held at the First Baptist Church, Ogharefe and was widely attended by thousands of supporters, including Ibori's elder cousin and successor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Ibori's deputy, Chief Benjamin Elue, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru, Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief William Makinde, traditional rulers, serving and former commissioners, political stalwarts, captains of industries and artisans.

Chief James Ibori speaking during his thanksgiving service on Sunday.

Ibori who spoke in English and Urhobo languages revealed that the reality of his seven years absence from the country was not as painful as the suffering and pains which his people where subjected to within the period of his absence.

His words: "My entire life is a testimony; I have said it over and again that my life was fashioned by God, directed by God, sealed, acknowledged and blessed by God. I have always believed that since I was born and I am living in accordance with destiny.

SEE THE SPONSORS OF IBORI'S THANKSGIVING SERVICE

"When the whole commotion started, what was most painful to me was the pains and sufferings that my people were going through. It had nothing to do with me as a person because for some reasons, I drew my strength from God and, some how, I knew God will stand by me.

"I knew that one day, this day (of celebration) will come. I am indeed very pleased that I can now stand before you and look at your faces, especially the faces of those I have missed and those who suffered the pains of my absence.

"When I reflect (on the past), it gives me joy that all your prayers have been answered by God; all your support and solidarity with me all through this period are "ungbikuable" (untellable).

"The only testimony I have is the fact that I am alive, well and in your midst. I never had any doubt whatsoever in mind that I will get back home".

On his guilty plea about seven years ago, Ibori maintained that his analysis of the situation showed that his life was at stake and the enemies were bent on taking him from his people, hence he accepted his alleged offences as a "pragmatic decision" to thwart the plans of his foes.

He narrated how he had preinformed Uduaghan of his intention of going for the guilty plea which, he said, was "the shortest route back to my people", insisting that he was  not guilty as alleged.

Ibori who was in a very high ecstacy led the congregation in songs of victory just as special prayers where offered for him and his family members, Oghara Community, Ethiope West, Delta State and Nigeria.

Earlier in a homily titled "Knowing the Gift of God", the South-South Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Goddowell Awomakpa said Ibori served as a bridge that united the church with the government of the state, urging politicians to be more concerned with the welfare of the masses than their personal gratification.

From left. Chief Jame S Ibori; Senami; Hon. Erhiateake Ibori and Mrs Christania Ibori-Ebie

Awomakpa also enjoined political leaders to shun hatred for one another, charging them to embrace humility and respect for the electorate during and after their tenure in offices.

Meanwhile, prominent kinsmen of Ibori yesterday continued to eulogize the former governor, describing him as people oriented and generally acceptable to Nigerians.

Former Commissioner for power and energy and Chairman of the Ibori's thanksgiving central planning committee, Chief Emmanuel Ighomena expressed utmost gratitude to God for keeping Ibori alive despite the desire of persecutors to get him "dead or alive".

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In an interaction with newsmen, Ighomena attributed the jubilations that greeted Ibori's return to his continuous struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta region, noting that Ibori never fought a personal cause but advanced the true yearnings of Nigerians.

On his part, a former Commissioner representing Ethiope West, Sapele and Okpe Local Government Areas on the board of DESOPADEC, Chief Henry Ofa urged everyone "to accord Chief Ibori the greatest respect that he deserves and tell others to do same", adding that "We must heed his fatherly advice and show him all the needed love".

"As we all rise in unity to reaffirm our undying loyalty to this great leader, we must understand that each of us has a stake in the issue at hand; we have a role to play and we have an all important task to perform.

"Now, more than ever, has the rolling ball been placed on our courts; it is either we score the goal and continue in our unabating joy or stand the risk of missing the reward forever. A fact worth knowing is that history beckons on you", Ofa stated in a goodwill message obtained by our correspondent.

On her part, a lecturer at the Delta State University, Abraka, Dr. (Mrs) Elizabeth Ogini observed that the time for a genuine reconciliation between Ibori and all aggrieved interests has come, noting that there is no gain in bickering.

Meanwhile, a false prophet who hires people to confess to miracles has been exposed.