Reactions From Delta On Ibori’s Arrest In Dubai

PHOTO: CHIEF JAMES IBORI ACKNOWLEDGES CHEERS FROM SUPPORTERS AFTER AN ASABA COURT LED BYJUSTICE MARCEL AWOKULEHIN CLEARED HIM OF CORRUPTION CHARGES.

ASABA, May 13, (THEWILL) – A cross section of Deltans spoken to in Asaba, state capital were thankful to INTERPOL following the arrest of Chief James Ibori, a former governor of the state.

A respondent who craved anonymity but could not hide her joy said Chief Ibori thought he could continue to run forever.

"We thank God that the long arm of the law has at last caught up with him and he must face the music."

Reports from other parts of the state such as Oleh, Ozoro, and Kwale among others were said to be the same.

Also reacting to Ibori’s arrest, a former Commissioner of Health, Delta State, Dr Richard Topsanwujm said, "It is a shame that Chief Ibori, our erstwhile governor has allowed himself to be treated like a common criminal and fugitive. The invitation for questioning by EFCC based on our petition should not have led to his fleeing the country if his hands are clean as he professes. Also Ibori had severally expressed confidence in country’s judicial system why then did he choose to abscond?"

The Chairman Central working Committee, Delta State Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, said his arrest by INTERPOL if proven to by true has put Deltans in bad light all over the world. "Delta State Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum is a patriotic serious-minded body determined to ensure anybody who defrauds our state is brought to justice. Ibori must comply with the rule of law" he insisted.

On his part in a telephone interview, an Asaba based lawyer, Mr. Chukwuma Ebu said, "If it is true that he has been arrested, the thing is that why should he have to run to the extent of being arrested at another country. Nobody is above the law, he should face EFCC for whatever changes against him. Ibori is rich enough to hire chains of SAN to defend himself so why running in the first place?

"I don’t want to draw any conclusion that by running he was guilty. Now that he has been found, they will arraign him, it’s only that our court, if there is anything to go by might not willingly grant him bail because of his antecedent of running. Unlike El-Rufai, he was arraigned and the same day he was released on bail even PDP national chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor was arraigned and was on the same day released on bail because of their antecedents.

"They know that they will be available to stand their trials. By running, EFCC will think he might jump bail. But by and large, he must face the music because nobody is above the law."

Also reacting, a former Commissioner for Education and Water Resources, Delta State and state PDP Deputy Chairman, Chief Ighoyota Amori said Ibori has already been released on bail. "He is on bail already. Dubai is an emirate where the rule of law is strictly practiced. We have no fear that the Judiciary there will live up to their expectations".

When contacted for comments, the 2007 Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate, Comrade Emmanuel Odafe Igbine declined comment "I have no comment for now until I get full details and facts of the reported arrested and who arrested him and taken to where".

Chief James Ibori was arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by operatives of INTERPOL.

He was granted conditional bail by a Dubai court today with his travel documents confiscated amongst others.

Chief Ibori is fighting extradition to London to face charges of money laundering.

The Nigerian government has also indicated interest that they want him extradited to Nigeria to face similar criminal charges.