Ibori: Captain of the Niger Delta


By Godbless Eduviere

It is quite jaw-dropping that most Nigerians, especially ones from the Niger Delta region of the country still inexhaustibly crave the presence of the exceptional and most selfless philanthropist and elder statesman, His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, who according to them remains the best Governor that has ever emerged since the creation of the state.

Born on the 4 August 1959 into a very humble and respectable family in a small town called Oghara in Delta state, Ibori became governor of delta state from 29 May 1999 to May 2007. Driven by unyoung passion to always fashion remarkable changes in people and in the country at large, the ex-governor didn’t only create and commissioned numerous mega infrastructures, he also inculcated certain measures to ensure growth and sustainable future for workers in all professionals including civil servants and salary earners by increasing their salaries and ensuring that it was paid on time. These abruptly elevated countless lives as well as the state’s economy and earned him the popular title “Odidigborigbo” which means actions speaks louder than words. This costly nickname explains why majority of the people refer to him as the best governor in the history of delta state.

Reminiscing on the indelible steps the governor took which utterly transformed the state to what it is today, one could say without shredding words that Ibori is a financial expert and a rare genius. THISDAY reporter who recently engaged most of the residents is shocked to his boot to discover that about 95% of the people of Niger Delta disclosing that so many things reminds them of the legend and that he’s truly an epitome of a true democrat that has been tested and proven that he’s immune to failure. Engineer Mike Odinfona said: “that man is magical. I don’t know how he was able to manage it, but he didn’t only rule as a leader, he was and is still a friend, benefactor, and a confidant to millions of people as we speak. He cautiously mentors and produces about 61% of the state’s successful entrepreneurs which makes him a loving father and an exact leader. Delta as we all know is the heart of Niger Delta hence it’s called “The big heart”. So it’s impossible to discuss it without mentioning Ibori. And I think life would be better if we have more of such men”.
A businesswoman, Mrs. Juliet Emajemite recalls several occasions of how Ibori empowered countless widows as well as traders during his government. She said: “A true leader is one who beyond all circumstances can stand for his people and make decisions that will elevate lives and better the state. This is why we the Niger Deltans miss Ibori a lot. That man is too much. He was the mouthpiece of people. During his time, salaries were not only increased and paid on time; he also ensured that retirement stipends were paid and awarded contracts was executed. If you go around and inquire, you would discover that many wish he would come back as Governor again and again and I believe all Deltans would love that”.

Security expert, Mr. Otimeyin stressed that one may not know what he or she has until he loses it. He said: “look around and you will discover that many of the things we enjoy today in the state be it healthcare; schools, whether primary, secondary and universities or even polytechnics and others were built by this same man. Besides all these, he positively affected so many people during his government that I cannot even mention. So tell me, if we have more of such selfless leader, won’t you be happy?”.

These and many other sincere opinions of the people of Niger Deltan are quite astonishing as they best describe the elder statesman. To the lovers of poems and in honor of those who seemed to care, I will leave you with a poem, a tribute to the rare gem and living legend, titled “DEMIGOD”
Delving into history, I noticed
I discovered a certain enigma
Who, despite travails filtered through the creel
A demigod by name, James Ibori.
Perambulating some infrastructure built
Amidst each I stood wondering
Our despicable land you adorned with beauty
Until you got stuck into a manipulative prism.
Then,
Demigod – stubborn ebony bird back to its nest
To the land you rescued from penury
As your people sing songs of victory in your name.
Demigod – hater of selfishness and greed
No administration has tried to imitate such significant strides
As your mysterious influence could not be wished away.
Demigod,
Powerbrokers and bigwigs crave your political blessings
Though pinned in prison
But the more we look, the less we see
Odidigborigbo; he that comes in the name of James Ibori.

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