The ancient town of Oghara in Ethiope West local
Government Area of Delta was in a carnival mood on Saturday as former governor
James Ibori arrived home after being deported to Nigeria on the completion of
his jail term in a UK prison.
Ibori, who was convicted by a British court on
charges of money laundering, arrived at the Benin Airport on Saturday aboard a
chartered plane, IZYAIR, with registration number India Zulu Yanky (5NIZY). He
was initially scheduled to land at Osubi Airport in Warri.
The flight, a Challenger 60, landed at Benin
airport at about 2.25pm
Ibori stepped into his country home Oghara at about
3:30 pm.
His residence was thronged by well-wishers and
political associates, who came to rejoice with him.
Outside of his residence, Oghara was in frenzy. Hundreds
of people marched round the town carrying leaves while some painted their faces
with chalk. Musical bands entertained the crowd at various points.
Mr Ighoyota Amori, a former senator representing
Delta Central, said the return of Ibori was a good omen to the people.
“We are happy that Ibori is back, people are
jubilating, the crowd you see here and the enthusiasm that has been displayed
today showed that we really missed him.
“This is the only way for us to appreciate that
our leader who left us long ago is back.
“His coming is a beginning of so many good
things to come, by his presence today, l am sure we are gaining back all we
have lost.
“Ibori remains in the People’s Democratic Party
(PDP), but it is not time to discuss politics. All his followers around are
members of PDP,” Amori said.
Mr Lovett Idisi, member representing Ethiope
East and Ethiope West Federal Constituency, thanked God for the safe return of
Ibori.
“We prayed that all our PDP faithful should
be steadfast now that we have a pure political direction.
“Their support has not been in vain, I believe
now that our leader is out, we will have a sense of direction. We are a
sheep with a shepherd right now.
“In my constituency, we now have somebody to
consult without travelling overseas,” Idisi said.
One of Oghara’s youth leaders, Mr Efe
Moses said the return of Ibori would turn things around for the good of the
town.
“We are grateful to God for the return of our
chief (Ibori). Sure things will turn around for better from now on in Oghara.
“Ibori is our father and we can die because of
him,’’ Moses said.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
security was beefed up to maintain law and order within and outside the Ibori
residence.
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