I Pleaded Guilty Because I Wanted To Escape Malevolent Plot Of Enemies-Ibori

Former governor of Delta state, Chief James Ibori on Sunday, February 12, 2017 said he never once doubted his prospect of returning to Nigeria and reuniting with his friends, political associates and kinsmen in Oghara, Ethiope west local government area of the state.

Ibori also dismissed insinuations that he was guilty of the offences to which he admitted in 2012, disclosing that at the point of his trial, his guilty plea was the only leeway with which he could escape the malevolent plot of his enemies under the guise of anti-corruption crusade.

The former governor spoke in Oghara during a thanksgiving service organized by the leadership of Oghara community and held at the First Baptist Church, Ogharefe.

The event was widely attended by thousands of supporters, including Ibori’s elder cousin and successor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Ibori’s deputy, Chief Benjamin Elue, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru, Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Williams Makinde, traditional rulers, serving and former commissioners, political stalwarts, captains of industries and artisans across the state.

Ibori who spoke in English and Urhobo languages revealed that the reality of his seven years absence from the country was not as painful as the suffering and pains which his people were subjected to within the period of his absence.

His words: “My entire life is a testimony; I have said it over and again that my life was fashioned by God, directed by God, seen, acknowledged and blessed by God. I have always believed that since I was born, I’m living in accordance with destiny.

“When the whole commotion started, what was most painful to me was the pains and sufferings that my people were going through. It had nothing to do with me as a person because for some reasons, I drew my strength from God and, somehow, I knew God will stand by me.

“I knew that one day, this day of celebration will come. I am indeed very pleased that I can now stand before you and look at your faces, especially the faces of those I have missed and those who suffered the pains of my absence.

“When I reflect on the past, it gives me joy that all your prayers have been answered by God; all your support and solidarity with me all through this period are untellable.

“The only testimony I have is the fact that I am alive, well and in your midst. I never had any doubt whatsoever in mind that I will get back home.”

On his guilty plea about seven years ago, Ibori maintained that his analysis of the situation showed that his life was at stake and the enemies were bent on taking him from his people, hence he accepted his alleged offences as a “pragmatic decision” to thwart the plans of his foes.

He narrated how he had pre-informed Uduaghan of his intention of going for the guilty plea which, he said, was “the shortest route back to his people”, insisting that he was not guilty as alleged.

Ibori, who was in a very high spirit, led the congregation in songs of victory just as special prayers were offered for him and his family members, Oghara community, Ethiope west, Delta state and Nigeria.

Earlier in a homily titled: “Knowing the Gift of God”, the South-South Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Goddowell Awomakpa, said Ibori served as a bridge that united the church with the government of the state, urging politicians to be more concerned with the welfare of the masses than their personal gratification.

Awomakpa also enjoined political leaders to shun hatred for one another, charging them to embrace humility and respect for the electorate during and after their tenure in offices. naij.com