Ibori Freedom: A Panacea to Delta Recovery?

By Emmanuel Enebeli

The release of former Governor of the Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori from the United Kingdom prison, has elucidated mix reactions from Deltans, and Nigerians across the country.

James Ibori who was the governor of the oil rich Delta State, from 1999 to 2007, was seen by many to be the architect of the Modern Niger Delta struggle, especially in the fulfillment of the 13 percent derivation fund to oil producing states.

During his time as the state Chief Executive Officer, the state made some money, many saw the period as, when real development should had taken place, which was not possible, not because he did not release the funds, but much of the money went into private hands, as was Alleged.

His release is seen as a big victory for the Niger Delta, as had been described by many political big wigs within the South-South zone of the country. Who had visited him, before the release, and waited for him to come out from the UK prison. They had said many sweet things about him, which amongst are, that he is the centre of Deltans and South-South politics.

Some groups like the Urhobo Awareness Youths Association (UAYA), hailed the release in a press release, and described his freedom as the rallying point of the South-South politics.

“Chief James Ibori is the rallying point of Urhobo nation, Delta State, and South-South Politics”.

The group and many others and individuals, as earlier stated, attributed as the real voice of the famous “Resource Control Struggle”, and other political dividends of the area.

The speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, who was in London when he was released, and other political office holders in the state, well celebrated his release, with the hope that his coming back will bring new light to the state.

But the big question yet to be answered is, is  there any magic touch that the coming back of Chief James Onanefe Ibori to Nigeria, and politics will bring the much needed physical and economic development of the state?

As an Ex-governor, does he have the key to unlock the stalled development after he exited office?

These are the questions that need answers from his much celebrated release, and possible return.

Delta state as it is now, with the effect of the fall in international oil prices, the main stay of the state economy, need all the expert, political and positive economic assistants from all meaning Deltans.

The state, we all know is supposed to be one step ahead of the other 35 states and Abuja.

Can Ibori Change the TIDE?