Here’s why the giist is sort of crazy – James Ibori was just released from prison in the UK. That’s why he’s being ‘welcomed back.’ The former gov is back from serving a 13-year jail term following conviction on charges related to corrupt enrichment and money laundering. The current gov has released 350 million naira (700k USD) to welcome Ibori back with a church thanksgiving. Details below from Sahara Reporters:
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has reportedly authorized the release of N350 million to fund an elaborate church thanksgiving service and reception in honor of former Governor James Onanefe Ibori.
Mr. Ibori was released from prison in the United Kingdom (UK) last December after serving a 13-year jail term following conviction on charges related to corrupt enrichment and money laundering. Last Saturday, the ex-convict governor arrived at his country home in Oghara, headquarters of Ethiope West local government area of Delta State, and received an excited welcome from his friends, political associates and residents of the state.
Two sources in Delta State, one of them a senior government official, told SaharaReporters that Mr. Okowa released the funds in order to ensure that the reception for Mr. Ibori, scheduled to take place on Sunday at the former governor’s hometown of Oghara, would be a huge event.
Last Sunday, Mr. Okowa and his entourage, including many members of his cabinet, visited Mr. Ibori at Oghara to pay homage. The current and former governors held a close-door meeting that last several hours.
Speaking confidentially to SaharaReporters, an official of the Delta State government disclosed that Mr. Okowa decided that the state government must bankroll the events formally welcoming ex-Governor Ibori back to the state. The source said the governor’s decision was also “a way to show gratitude to Chief Ibori, who single-handedly made sure that he won the 2015 governorship election.”
Nearly a million dollar church service and thanksgiving to welcome someone home from jail.
Thoughts?
1 Comment
Imagine a sitting governor spending that huge amount to celebrate a convicted thief that stole public funds in this recession period. #bunchofrogues…The fire that will fire una is doing press-up in hell fire….