– After seven years of serving jail term in London prison, Ibori has spoken on his prison experience
– He says what pained him most was not actually his prison service but his people whom he left behind
– He, however, said he was not guilty of the offences leveled against him but he accepted it as a way to escape the plot of his enemies
Former governor of Delta state, Chief James Ibori on Sunday, February 12, 2017 said he never 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 leeway with which he could escape the malevolent plot of his enemies under the guise of anti-corruption crusade.
James Onanefe Ibori
The former governor spoke in Oghara during a thanksgiving service organized by the leadership of Oghara community and held at the First Baptist Church, Ogharefe.
The event 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 Williams Makinde, traditional rulers, serving and former commissioners, political stalwarts, captains of industries and artisans across the state.
READ ALSO: See faces at James Ibori’s thanksgiving service in Oghara Delta state
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 were 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, seen, acknowledged and blessed by God. I have always believed that since I was born, I’m living in accordance with destiny.
“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, somehow, 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 untellable.
Ibori while in London prison
“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 pre-informed Uduaghan of his intention of going for the guilty plea which, he said, was “the shortest route back to his people“, insisting that he was not guilty as alleged.
Ibori, who was in a very high spirit, led the congregation in songs of victory just as special prayers were 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.
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 have continued to eulogize the former governor, describing him as people oriented and generally acceptable to Nigerians.
Ibori celebrating his release in London with speaker of Delta state house of assembly, Monday Igbuya
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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.
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: “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.
Ibori during the celebration service in church on Sunday
“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.”
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.
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