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.

IBORI: UDUAGHAN SHOULD HAVE REMAINED SILENT

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan was recently credited with a Facebook post in which he asked some supporters of his predecessor, Chief James Ibori, to stop the publicity of his former boss' freedom. 

In this piece, Joshua Erubami takes a brief look into the statement. Read on. 

"For those going to London to see Chief James Ibori and posting pictures and making statements, please stop it. We appreciate your love for him. But you can go quietly without the unnecessary publicity. You are creating more problems for him than you can ever imagine. Nigeria is a complex country and you must understand and respect people’s sensibilities"- Delta State former Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

The above verbal matter easily put together by a supposedly close political ally and elder cousin to Chief Ibori, whose other name is James Onanefe, has become one of the finest topics of discuss in the last few days. Since the few lines text of warning (which is obviously couched in a subtle advice) went viral from one of the many official Facebook pages of Dr.Uduaghan Emmanuel, not a few people, especially well meaning individuals of Urhobo extraction have been taken aback.

Invariably, that post is the second official comment Uduaghan is making about Ibori after he relocated from the Delta State Government House on May 29 of last year. The first was in an interview granted one of the national dailies where he explained the nature of relationship he enjoyed with his predecessor. That is history now anyway.

On the face value of the Facebook post which ought to be an innocuous write up, Uduaghan apparently tried to caution the overzealous nature of some political bigots who have explored every speck and spike opportunity to exhibit how ‘loyal’ they can possibly be to the cause of Ibori, the nationally acclaimed proponent of resource control and nationalist of the Niger Delta liberation struggle.



Chief James Ibori (Left) and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan


On the overbearing activities of some of these unguided supporters of Ibori, various platforms (mainly the social media) have been explored to divulge a deluge of information on how the freed political icon masterminded and tactically determined who became who in the politics of Delta State and even in the National Assembly where organized political disobedience turned to be the star drama of the 2015 political cinema, with Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara upturning the plans of the ruling All Progressives Congress to cling the leadership of the red and green chambers respectively.

Read SENATOR BOASTS OF IBORI’S POLITICAL INFLUENCE IN DELTA, NIGERIA

On the many talks about the too much publicity on Iboris release, Uduaghan has not been alone on the path of retrieving caution form whatever wind it was thrown. In fact, a prominent politician from Oghara, Ibori’s country home, called me barely a day after the release of Ibori to bitterly complain about a video credited to one of the serving public officers in the country who boasted of how Ibori’s political influence defied the walls of the UK prisons (where he served a 13 year jail term) to orchestrate all that happened in the state he ruled over nine years ago.

No doubt, every cautious person would wish Ibori returns home without more troubles and storms than the ones he had already overcome. Without prejudice to Uduaghan’s preconceived motive, that is what I innocently deduce to be the desire of the Itsekiri born former Governor.



Ibori's kinsmen celebrating his release at Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.


But there was a lacuna. The lacuna was in the established fact that no man establishes his sanity by beating the drums of the insane minds. This was where Uduaghan pressed the wrong button. With a high sense of modesty, His Excellency (who is a doctor by training), has perhaps forgot that a doctor does not cure madness by becoming mad himself.

The reason for such assertion is wisely rooted in the simple thinking that if publicity will create troubles for Ibori, Uduaghan’s supposed cousin, then it would have been wiser for him (Uduaghan) to play the biblical Nicodemus by communicating his message secretly to whom it may concern.

For one thing, Uduaghan has remained mute over Ibori’s release and, honestly, the clinic-owner-turned Governor should have remained silent over the issue. At least, Uduaghan should have been quiet for now. He simply could have placed telephone calls across to the individuals he feels are causing “more problems” for Ibori and advance cogent reasons and valid grounds upon which they should refrain from such “more problems” causing publicity.

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Honestly, the celebrating masses does not need the needless application of heat to the already doused polity.

The reason is quite clear: there is no point telling an old woman to cover up her withered breasts when her lost son returns home with tales of success. Ibori’s supporters have patiently waited for moments as these and have carefully planned towards same too.

Telling them (especially those who managed to ferret themselves through the ‘thick’ walls of the UK border) to “stop it” in the manner Uduaghan did is not only suspicious of a cousin who ought to champion the celebration cause, but also totally unexpected of a man who Ibori relentlessly laboured to ensure his gubernatorial victory.

The statement, though bland and insipid, has an inherent potential of casting an unjustified aspersion and indifference in the minds of as many who have elected to celebrate the uncommon qualities and managerial skills with which Ibori handled the affairs of the state and, indeed, Nigeria while he was a free man.

His Excellency knows, by experience I believe, that the retention of loyalty is one of the most difficult power to attain. He left the Government House in just about a year ago and, since then, he can attest that some of his so called fans (while he reigned as Governor) have made U-turns, even in his immediate constituency; the facts are all in the records, particularly in his failed drive to obtain a chieftaincy title.

So, if a “thief” was able to maintain his flamboyant charisma, despite the perennially long period of being away, then it will be totally wicked, impious and insidious to take (deliberate or otherwise) actions at undermining that.

Of course, Nigeria is very complex; in fact, far more complex than it used to be when Ibori was a Governor and people’s sensibilities have drifted towards a similar direction. But only cowards retreat into their crust for fear of what the enemy will do. What the ex-Governor is yet to understand and, probably, accept is that in every single battle, what will be will always be irrespective of one’s careful or carefree attitude. Ibori has been released and if other battles lie ahead, stopping his celebration will not make the enemies sheathe their swords and bury their knives.

Quite sadly, it appears our emeritus Governor is fast losing touch with the core values of the Africans. If not, he would have known that a man is never successful until the society adjuges him so; and, the worst father is the one who returns home without his children running around him with ecstacy.

While Uduaghan's comment may be sensible in its right,  it is only reasonable that he keeps his advice and let the celebration continue. If no one celebrates Ibori; if no one dances round him; and, if no one rolls out the drums in his honour, then it simply means he has failed like someone we all know. This is the truth and will forever remain the truth so long truth remains by its name.

HOW IBORI MOVED HIS KINSMEN TO TEARS

Hopes rose to its very peak and expectations got to its zenith on Friday, October 14, when the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, expressed his undying eagerness to be reunited with his kinsmen in Oghara, the administrative headquarters of Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.


Elated Ibori, who is generally expected to return to his country home before the end of this year, said he cannot wait to set his foot on the soil of the oil-rich community
after several years of being away in the United Kingdom, following his extradition and subsequent conviction by a
London court.


The former Governor poured out his emotions and ecstasy in a goodwill message during the premiere summit of Oghara held in Asaba, the state capital, with a central focus on, “Oghara in Contemporary Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges”.


See HOW IBORI’S POLITICAL INFLUENCE BROKE THROUGH THE WALLS OF UK


Ibori’s message was read by the Chairman of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), Hon. Moses Ogbe who, at a point in the delivery, could not hold the torrent of tears that freely flowed from his eyes.


“Please accept my gratitude for the concern over my plight and the out-pouring of goodwill and support I have received from you. You have shown me your love and concern and they comfort me through thick and thin.


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“I can’t wait to set my foot on my Oghara soil again and be among my people; for Nigeria is the hub of my universe, and the Niger Delta is the hub of my Nigeria and
Oghara is the core of my beloved Niger Delta. East, West, North and South; Oghara is still the best”, said Ibori to his kinsmen who were submerged in the admixture of palpable melancholy and a true sense of heroism.


He urged indigenes of Oghara to be one another's keepers and actively join in the preservation of the town’s age-long cultural values, protection of lives and properties as well as take active part in the wholesome development of the town, adding that “the protection of every investment and government outfit in the town must be everybody’s business”.


Further, he charged the sons and daughters of Oghara to avoid denting the public image of the town which, he said, is reputable as a cordial and courteous host to government and private investments, praying that no damage is done to this public image which was bequeathed to the present generation by the founders of the town.

DEVT COMES WITH PRICES - EX-GOV JAMES IBORI

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori has stated that the different shades of challenges facing modern towns and cities in Nigeria are some of the inevitable prices which such areas must pay as a consequence of their urbanization and exponential development.

Ibori explained that as a village develops and transforms into metropolis, there comes an unavoidable influx of guests, behavioural dynamism and security challenges, noting that one cannot eat one’s cake and have it.

The former Governor stated this on Friday,  October 14, in a goodwill message read by the Chairman of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), Hon. Moses Ogbe during the premiere summit of Oghara town held in Asaba, the state capital.

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The theme of the event was “Oghara in Contemporary Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges” and it was organizes for eminent sons and daughters of the town to discuss, brainstorm and device lasting panacea to the festering challenges in the community.

He said: “As any place develops and transformation takes place, it changes from being a settlement or village to a town.

"As we all know, the characteristics of a metropolis is different from that of a village; there will be influx of guests, growth of new businesses, plurality of behavioural patterns and the vexed issue of land acquisition, land ownership and security.

“It is happening now in Oghara because you cannot eat you cake and have it. Development never comes without a price; but also, it is not untamable monster.

"The good thing is that we can be agents of this welcome change taking place in Oghara. We can make this change work for us and still remain members of the cheerful and welcoming host community that Oghara is famous for.

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“To maximize the profit from the changes, we must remain part of the driving engine of that change and development taking place in Oghara. We must invest in the town. We must set up our own shops, hostels and industries. On this, we must march in step with the guests among us so that we will not be left behind in matters of investment and ownership”.

Ibori, who observed that an egg cannot go on forever being good but must either hatch or go bad, called on his kinsmen to eschew complacency and turn the town into a giant industrial and commercial hub by exploring its huge natural endowment, particularly the river Ethiope which courses through the town.