Ibori: Not yet Uhuru for a political godfather
Ex-Delta State Governor, James Ibori’s triumphant return from a U.K jail may have revived hopes of a political rejuvenation among his followers; but not so for pundits who say the nightmare of the political godfather may yet be over.
Shortly after he was released from a British prison where he served a jail term for corruption, former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, indicated his plan to rejoin politics upon his return to Nigeria. Ibori, who ruled the oil-rich state between 1999 and 2007 reportedly said he would not quit politics until his death.
“What happens in African politics - you are in it until you die; I am a politician, I will always be a politician. I play the politics in my party and in my country for the good of my people,” he reportedly told Reuters in London after a court hearing that freed him.
He, however, said he would not contest any elective position again because he had been barred for 10 year because of his conviction. This is even as he gave indication that he would appeal against the conviction.
Prior to his conviction in the United Kingdom, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had dragged Ibori before an Asaba High Court on a 170 count charge over allegations bordering on diversion of N40bn belonging to the state.
Although Ibori was also accused of trying to bribe ex-chairman of the anti-graft agency, Nuhu Ribadu with $15m cash, the court, however, struck out the 170 charges leveled against him.
A member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ibori was, however, arraigned in Southwack Crown Court in February 2012, for laundering about $250 million believed to have been stolen from the coffers of Delta State. He pleaded guilty to a 10-count charge of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud.
He was subsequently jailed on April 17, 2012 for 13 years and while in prison, he was said to be remotely dictating the political tune in his native Delta State where his maternal cousin, Emmanuel Uduaghan, had succeeded him as governor in 2007.
His conviction in Britain followed a drawn-out extradition procedure from Dubai, where he fled in 2010, and his evasion of arrest and prosecution in Nigeria. The case was seen as a landmark in the fight against high-level international corruption, with billions of pounds of illicit cash said to be channeled through Britain every year.
Ironically, the former governor’s freedom elicited jubilation and celebration in his political camp, especially in his home state, Delta. Following his release a video surfaced on YouTube of Ibori being feted in London by supporters, including a serving senator who reportedly said, to cheers, that the former governor had “made” the careers of several prominent Nigerian politicians while in prison.
Many of his associates were said to have paid their way to London to celebrate his freedom and pledged loyalty to a man that had remained so tenable in Delta and national politics, even while in prison.
The ancient town of Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta was in a carnival mood when James Ibori arrived home after being deported to Nigeria on the completion of his jail term in a UK prison.
As he stepped into his country home Oghara upon return his residence was thronged by well-wishers and political associates, who came to rejoice with him. Hundreds of people marched round the town carrying leaves while some painted their faces with chalk. Musical bands entertained the crowd at various points.
A former senator representing Delta Central, Ighoyota Amori, was quoted as saying the return of Ibori was a good omen to the people.
“His coming is a beginning of so many good things to come. By his presence today, l am sure we are gaining back all we have lost. Ibori remains in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but it is not time to discuss politics. All his followers around are members of PDP,” Amori reportedly said. Not yet Uhuru for Ibori Following the triumphant return of Ibori, observers are wondering what becomes of his incredible political influence both in his home state of Delta and in Nigeria. While many, especially his critics, said his return will not influence the politics of his state in any way since his conviction had already removed any integrity he may lay claims to, his supporters believe his travails were mainly political and he is returning to reclaim his position as the true godfather of the politics of the state.
To some political analysts and legal experts, however, despite the conviviality that greeted his return to Nigeria after serving his jail term in the UK, it is not yet Uhuru for the politician.
The EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, (ICPC) and other relevant agencies may have activated the processes that will urgently resume his trial for the corruptions allegations against him.
Constitutional lawyer and civil rights activist Femi Falana SAN said that Ibori was being prosecuted in Nigeria before he fled the country and there was “no doubt he has a case to answer”.
“The Appeal Court in Asaba has quashed Ibori’s acquittal by a High Court which he is yet to vacate. Ibori remains banned from holding political office until he is granted a presidential pardon, Falana said.”
It was gathered that one of the collateral consequences of being a convicted criminal would spell the end of Ibori’s career in many places around the world. There are also certain travel restrictions that may be leveled by other countries.
It was further gathered that the ex-offender would also face a variety of collateral consequences that make his recovery back to normal life harder even as his name has entered into the national crime inventory.
Last July, the Federal Government (FG) in line with its anti-corruption drive decided to reopen corruption cases against James Ibori and 30 other former governors. The FG said it had taken the step through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, in a letter written to the ICPC, instructing the commission to forward the case files of all former governors that are standing trial for corruption.
According to Debo Akande, “any dillydallying would put a bigger question mark on the anti-corruption drive than hitherto known, given that as far back as July last year, the EFCC was already talking about reopening Ibori’s case. Therefore, there is no reason why reopening Ibori’s cases should be delayed because the FG, EFCC and other agencies also followed the UK trial and conviction of the former governor who cunningly wiggled through the judicial labyrinth in Nigeria.
“This is very important considering the effrontery represented in Ibori’s effort to return to the country like some ‘hero.’ The shame and consequence of the delay or failure to act now is better imagined than seen.”
To political watchers, however, whether or not Ibori has returned to the country as a hero or villain remains to be seen, especially as the countdown to the 2019 political epoch begins in earnest
“This is very important considering the effrontery represented in Ibori’s effort to return to the country like some ‘hero.’ The shame and consequence of the delay or failure to act now is better imagined than seen.”