WHY URHOBOS AND DELTANS ARE CELEBRATING CHIEF IBORI

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.