The ancient town of Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta
was on Saturday agog as former governor James Ibori returned home after
serving jail term in a UK prison.
Ibori, who was convicted by a British court on charges of money
laundering, arrived at the Benin Airport on Saturday aboard a chartered
plane, IZYAIR, with registration number India Zulu Yanky (5NIZY).
The flight, a Challenger 60, landed at the airport at about 2.25pm
Ibori stepped into his country home in Oghara at about 3:30 pm on Saturday
after
spending four and half years in a UK prison.
His residence was besieged by well-wishers and political associates in the
state, whom came to felicitate with their leader.
Hundreds of the well-wishers trekked around the town carrying leaves while
some painted their faces with chalk jubilating
Similarly, musical stands were set up in various locations in the town as
musicians entertained the crowd.
Speaking outside Ibori’s home, Mr Ighoyota Amori, a former senator
representing Delta Central, said the return of Ibori was a good omen to
the people.
He said, “We are happy that Ibori is back, people are jubilating, the
crowd you see here and the enthusiasm that has been displayed today showed
that we really missed him.
“This is the only way for us to appreciate that our leader who left us
long ago is back.
“His coming is a beginning of so many good things to come, by his presence
today, l am sure we are gaining back all we have lost.
“Ibori remains in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but it is not time
to discuss politics, all his followers around are members of PDP.”
Also speaking to newsmen, Mr Lovett Idisi, member representing Ethiope
East and Ethiope West Federal Constituency, thanked God for the safe
return of Ibori.
He said, “We prayed that all our PDP faithful should be steadfast now that
we have a pure political direction.
“Their support has not been in vain, I believe now that our leader is out,
we will have a sense of direction. We are a sheep with a shepherd right
now.
“In my constituency, we now have somebody to consult without travelling
overseas.”
One of Oghara’s youth leader, Mr. Efe Moses said the return of Ibori would
turn things around for the good of Oghara.
He said, “We are grateful to God for the return of our chief (Ibori), sure
things will turn around for better from now on in Oghara.
“Ibori is our father and we can die because of him.”
Security was beefed up to maintain law and order within and outside the
Ibori residence.