THE MAKING OF ANOTHER PRESIDENCY’S IBORI

Editor,

THE MAKING OF ANOTHER PRESIDENCY’S IBORI

We are all aware of how the corrupt former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, who ensured that his cousin (Emmanuel Uduaghan) took over from him the governorship of Delta State. Ibori stood as the presidency’s man during the reign of late President Umaru Yar’Adua. It is not good to talk about the dead, but the late President allowed Ibori unrestricted access to the Aso Rock and consulted him in major presidential decisions, including appointments; James called the shots with other Yar’Adua-men. Judging from what is happening to Ibori at this moment of truth, many of our governors (former and serving), one can easily confirm that the late President Yar’Adua was weak in fighting corruption.

This weakness continues in President Goodluck Jonathan as he tries creating his own ‘Ibori’ but in a different style. It then looks like a fact that we would never get a clean leadership even after 2011 unless, according to Balarabe Musa and many other Nigerians, there is the Rawlings or Chinese style of cleansing. Every day that passes makes one believe that Jonathan’s fight against corruption is a ruse as he continues paying lip-service to it; this might look like he is deceiving Nigerians and the international community.

There has been many double-speak coming from President Jonathan and this piece is not designed to enumerate them. But what is becoming evident is that President Jonathan’s presidency is planning its own Ibori, probably out of fear or intimidation or assimilation; but he does not need to. Ibori, it will be recalled was said to be among those that bankrolled Yar’Adua’s campaign expenses through the instruction of the former President Obasanjo who he later fell out of favour. From all indication and suddenly, another governor from the south-south block is looking good and dancing admiringly towards/with Jonathan who seems also carried away. There is limit to luck even if your name connotes such, therefore President Goodluck Jonathan should be at alert and sincerely watch his steps on the dancing floor.

Alhaji Mutum Bello, 1 Bello Close, Bukuru, Jos, Plateau State.