| All things being equal, the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, who has been incarcerated in a London prisons for about five years now is expected to regain his freedom on December 20, 2016 having completed the jail term. |
Expectations are quite high as the man whose political popularity remains high in his home state of Delta, especially among the people of Ethiope West Local Government Area from where he hails is expected back home. Although, the Odidigborigbo, as he is fondly called by his admirers, may not head straight to the warm embrace of his supporters, the feelings among the people, The New Diplomat can authoritatively disclose, is that it promises to be a joyous celebration across Delta State and beyond as the former governor walks into freedom.
Speaking with The New Diplomat on phone, one of the die-hard supporters and brother of the former governor, Dr. Henry Ofa, stated that what matters most for the people is that their leader is regaining his freedom, adding that it promises to be one of the happiest moments for the people of Ethiope West Local Government Area and indeed, Delta State.
Said he: “It is a thing of joy we are receiving him back. He is a benefactor to the Oghara people as you are aware. And his coming back is going to witness a lot of development once again. You know, he has been away from us for the past five or six years. We really missed him and the fact that he is coming back, we give all thanks to God for giving him the good health as we wait for him.”
From our findings, Ibori may not immediately leave for Nigeria after his freedom as there is still a pending related litigation coming up early next year in the UK to which he has to deal with before finally heading for Nigeria as a free man.
