former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori
Two
legal luminaries, Chief Afe Babalola and Rotimi Akeredolu have
described the conviction and sentencing of former Governor James Ibori
of Delta State to 13 years in prison by the Southwark Crown Court in
London on Tuesday as a great lesson as well as food for thought to
Nigerians in positions of authority.
The lawyers, who noted
that there were many ‘Iboris’ in and out of government, said the
conviction of the ex-governor should teach those entrusted with state
funds to refrain from diverting it to private pockets.
Babalola, in an interview with us,
said, “The lesson which I feel that his conviction holds for Nigerians
is that those who are entrusted with public funds should refrain from
diverting it to private use. Furthermore, it should now be clear to all
that no matter how long it takes, the law will always catch up with
those who act contrary to it.
“The wheels of justice may turn slowly but they always catch up with the offender.”
He added, “The
sentencing of former Governor James Ibori demonstrates that plea
bargaining through which his guilty plea was agreed and obtained can, if
properly annexed, be of benefit in Nigeria’s criminal administration.
Consequent upon his guilty plea and imminent sentencing, much of the
funds which were looted from the treasury of Delta State will be
returned to the state. Without plea bargaining, the process would have
taken much longer.”
Akeredolu, in a
statement on Wednesday, said Ibori’s case exposed the weakness in the
country’s judicial system and confirmed the level of criminal
compromise.
It said, “It is shameful
indeed that while a foreign country feels appalled by this expression
of bovine predilection for the acquisition of ill gotten wealth, Nigeria
keeps celebrating the worst species of the human race. There are many
Iboris in and out of government. We will only be taken seriously when we
display sufficient courage to send them to where they belong.”
Founding Chairman of the
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission,
retired Justice Mustapha Akanbi, on Wednesday said the convicting and
sentencing of Ibori was a challenge to Nigerian judiciary and a signal
to the public.
Akanbi in a telephone
interview with our correspondent, said it was puzzling that Ibori, who
was acquitted of all the corruption and money laundering charges by a
Nigerian judge, pleaded guilty and was sentenced by a British Court.
Akanbi said, “The conviction of Ibori is a challenge to Nigerian judiciary.
“We must be able to make
sure that we really fight against corruption and corrupt practices so
that once we solve the problem of corruption, a lot of problems would
have fizzled out. I am happy that at least, Ibori has been convicted and
hope that other corrupt people will also be dealt with and
accordingly.”
The Vice Chancellor,
Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Aize Obayan, called on
public office holders to imbibe the values of integrity and
accountability.
In a telephone interview with News Agency of Nigeria on
Wednesday, she said, “No one person is above the law and it is a lesson
for our leaders and even the younger ones, because these rules are
international.
President, Academic
Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, in his reactions,
said the conviction of the former governor should ignite the much needed
reform in Nigeria’s legal system.
Awuzie said, “What has
just happened shows that people no longer have confidence in our legal
system and this remains a major challenge in our quest for national
advancement and transformation.
“I also wish to task the
EFCC to intensify efforts in the manner at which they intend to check
corruption, especially among public office holders, otherwise, people’s
confidence in their ability to fight this social ills will also continue
to wither.”
A Niger Delta human
rights group, Justice and Human Rights Defence on Wednesday described
Ibori’s the convictionas a warning to corrupt leaders in Nigeria.
The group in a statement
by its National Coordinator, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, said Ibori deserved
his 13-year jail sentence after pleading guilty to financial fraud.
The group said Ibori’s conviction had brought relief to the people of the state whose funds he looted.
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