Date Published: 01/07/10

IBORI: CORRUPTION RULLING OUR JUDGES By ENE PAT

The report of the judgment dismissing 170 count charges against former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori did not appear to many people as a shock .Chief Ibori who was prosecuted for corrupt practices and money laundry had his case dismissed at a Federal High Court in Asaba for lack of evidence.

This was a clear conspiracy between the judge, the suspect and dishonorable minister of justice who has relentlessly protected corrupt citizens like him rather than fighting them. Taking us back to memory lane, we will recall that Sahara Reporters, earlier this year, published publicly  that a kangaroo court is prepared to sit on Ibori’s case was, meaning that all was a set up to free the corrupt ex-governor at all cost with the help of the minister of justice who is supposed to be his loyalist.

It might interest you to know that the matter was not tried in the first instance, no evidence was   led or taken by the court, and the ruling was based merely on charges and proof of evidence so one will wonder how the judge arrived at his judgment any way. It is really sad for a country whose image was boosted with the Bode’s conviction not too long ago to suffer another set back from Ibori’s case.

Since the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission is preparing to file a notice at the Court of Appeal to question the judgment, we hope that the Appeal Court would do some thing urgently and leave up to their expectations.

The problem the country is facing right now if I am asked is that our judicial system is corrupt. Instead of our judges ruling, the reverse is the case as corruption rules them in turn and that explains how the chief Justice of the Federation who is suppose to be the strong instrument against corruption, is the one frustrating the effort of law enforcement agencies

On the issue of special court for corruption cases like Ibori’s case proposed by Farida Waziri will help if given the adequate attention and implemented.

 There is need for the judiciary to rise up to the challenge of supporting the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies if we want our country to be free from corruption. It is obvious that the Judge went out of his way to keep former Delta State Governor out of prison; but there is room for improvement for the future of the younger generation.

What we   should   do is   to appreciate, pray and encourage the effort of the EFCC rather than criticize the Commission with ideal talk because if not for them, the country could have being something else.

ENE PAT

UNI  ABUJA