Convicted thief, fraudster and former Delta State Governor, His Excellency James Ibori is cut from the same cloth as Chief M.A Nanga the main character in Chinua Achebe’s fourth novel “A Man of the People” (1996). The novel sketches the popular acceptance of, and admiration for, the politically corrupt in Nigeria. To paraphrase Achebe, it’s important to bear in mind that Ibori is a “man of the people”, otherwise there is nothing noteworthy in the homecoming of an overseas convict.
Found guilty of credit card fraud and theft in the UK on two separate occasions (1991, 1992), Ibori was later found guilty of criminal breach of trust in Nigeria (1995). As an ex-convict, he wasn’t qualified to contest the Governorship election which he won (1999), but he denied being the person convicted. Although the judge who passed the sentence identified Ibori, the then Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tafa Balogun gave him a clean bill of health. Shortly afterwards Balogun became the only IGP ever to be disgraced out of office and convicted on corruption charges. When Ibori’s term of office and immunity from prosecution expired, he was eventually arrested in the Kwara State Governors Lodge Abuja in the company of his bosom friend Bukola Saraki and charged with 170 corruption offences.
The then Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nuhu Ribadu alleged that Ibori tried to bribe him with $5 Million cash! Failing this Ibori then argued that since he allegedly stole N40 Billion in Delta State he should be tried there. Quite ridiculously a Federal High Court was hurriedly built in Asaba and Justice Idowu Awokulehin wrote his name in infamy by disgracefully dismissing all 170 charges. When the Court of Appeal in Benin overturned Awokulehin’s ridiculous ruling and re-assigned the case to another Judge, Ibori knew the game was up. He fled to Dubai where he was arrested by Interpol and extradited to the UK.
Facing the no-nonsense incorruptible British judicial system Ibori in a spectacular turnaround quickly pleaded guilty to the very same charges he had been cleared of by Justice Awokulehin! Like Achebe’s Nanga, Ibori’s personal life involved a wife and mistress, both of whom were jailed for their involvement in the financial affairs of their sweetheart. Under normal circumstances his people should be appalled by his behaviour, but this isn’t the case. They are overcome with joy at his return and the on-going celebrations are sincere and affectionate. Markets, Offices and shops were closed and a carnival atmosphere prevailed. This should come as no surprise. Every part of Nigeria has its own “political heroes” whose main achievement is looting public funds and elevating themselves into the ranks of the super wealthy and permanently influential. Without exception, such people are celebrated and held in high esteem by their tribesmen.
No one has ever been ostracised for corruption in Nigeria. Mohammed Abacha son of the kleptocratic military dictator Sanni Abacha was received with jubilation when freed by the Supreme Court, despite reneging on an agreement to refund $1.5 billion of the money his father stole. He shamelessly wanted to be governor. Ex-Bayelsa State Governor DSP Alamieseigha convicted for embezzlement was given a “Presidential Pardon”. PDP bigwig Bode George celebrated his release from prison with a lavish reception. Why should Ibori be different? Corruption in public service has been with us for ages.
In 1947 a Colonial Commission of Inquiry reported that “The African’s background and outlook on public morality is very different from the present-day Briton … the African in public service only seeks to further his own personal interest”. The British knew we weren’t ready for self-government but concluded that “the aim of the colonial government is not to establish a standard of honesty in public life”, because “only time and education can do that”. Seventy years later sufficient time has elapsed and our politicians are “educated” yet tragically nothing has changed. Quite illogically Nigerians differentiate between a thief who steals private money, and a thief who steals government money. Goodluck Jonathan a President with a PhD who presided over massive treasury looting said quite infamously that “corruption isn’t stealing”. There is nothing Ibori did that most the ex-governors currently profiling themselves in some the of highest offices in the land did not do. If prison is meant to punish, then James Ibori unlike so many others equally guilty, has been punished.
On a lighter note comparisons between his robust features and Obasanjo’s emaciated condition when freed from Nigerian detention are a compliment to the humanity of the British prison system! Although the EFCC had always said Ibori would be re-arrested upon completion of his prison sentence it, would be unwise to pursue his matter any further. The anti-corruption war has proved to be a ruse, he should be left alone. Even in detention he was influential in Delta State politics. In addition to being paid over N250 million as pension while in prison, he was “consulted” on political appointments ranging from Governorship to Senators, Members of the House of Reps, State House of Assembly Members, Commissioners and Board Members because he is indisputably a man of his people!
