The fact, today, is that Urhobo folks and indeed all Deltans are
celebrating the return of Chief James Ibori, in their home land.
The reasons for the celebrations are not farfetched.
Between the creation of Delta State and when Chief Ibori came into office, there
was little or no infrastructure development across the State. The celebration
was therefore a response to the huge infrastructural development and period of
positive socio-economic impact and empowerment of ordinary citizens, which
still remain an impeccable justification and plank for which Ibori, will
perennially remain dear to the Urhobo and Deltans.
Chief Ibori’s legacy will outlive him, because to his name stands
eternal edifices in infrastructure. These include the imposing navigational bridge
over River Raymos in Bomadi, the Omadino bridge; the Ase bridge – all laid out
in marshy terrains thought impossible to build on; the three polytechnics at
Oghara, Ogwashi-Uku and Ozoro; the College of Physical Education at Mosogar;
the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara; the Delta
Towers, Abuja, and legion other infrastructure-related facilities; the State
secretariat among others.
The Urhobo people and all Deltans were also celebrating Chief James
Onanefe Ibori’s freedom from persecution. They felt and rightly so that the
whole Ibori saga was harassment and persecution by the Nigerian political power
house aimed at destroying his political career. Considering
the mammoth crowd that cheered him on arrival, it is beyond argument that
justice was not served in his trial.
The people know that Ibori’s travail was
politically motivated and borne out of his clamour for resource control and
fiscal federalism which is still the call and yearnings of most Nigerians.
To be fair the lax
attitude of Nigerian citizens towards corrupt practices among Nigerian
political leaders is not just a Urhobo problem considering that we have had
similar celebrations in other regions of Nigeria when they welcome their jail
birds back home.
Former Bode George also received a hearty welcome back home after serving two years at Kirikiri Prison from some of his Yoruba family members, friends and well-wishers. There was a Thanksgiving Mass that was followed a large owambe following his release. President Obasanjo attended both events even though he later regretted his attendance.
The Late Gov. Alams of Bayelsa State was also welcome back home with joyous street celebrations after skipping his bail from the London Metropolitan Police while dressed in drag.
However, it should be noted that delusion and hallucination are twiners in this Land. The reaction of Nigerians to corruption is an all Nigerian thing--that reflects poverty of the soul and mind.
Former Bode George also received a hearty welcome back home after serving two years at Kirikiri Prison from some of his Yoruba family members, friends and well-wishers. There was a Thanksgiving Mass that was followed a large owambe following his release. President Obasanjo attended both events even though he later regretted his attendance.
The Late Gov. Alams of Bayelsa State was also welcome back home with joyous street celebrations after skipping his bail from the London Metropolitan Police while dressed in drag.
However, it should be noted that delusion and hallucination are twiners in this Land. The reaction of Nigerians to corruption is an all Nigerian thing--that reflects poverty of the soul and mind.
Comments
Post a Comment