By Akaba Clement E.
“Until the Lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the Hunter”…African Proverb.
Over the last three decades, men of various capacities have risen and exited the Nigerian political terrain; some are still alive while others are dead but very few have continued to remain influential and relevant till date since the beginning of the fourth republic in 1999 irrespective of the turbulent twists and turns they had to traverse. One of such men whom has continued to earn his place against all odds is the man – Chief James Ibori – who was governor of Delta State from 1999 till 2007. How he continues sustaining his influence within the Nigerian political circle even after his ordeals has been a source of marvel to keen observers most especially since the 2023 general election.
Who would have had the premonition that such a man that had gone through thirteen (13) years jail term in the U.K. as a result of political prosecution (for daring the powers that be) would later make a brilliant comeback to the political arena within a short while after his ordeal?
He was not the only ex-governor that had it rough and tough among his contemporaries. Late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State; Ex-governor Jolly Nyame of Taraba State; Joshua Dariye of Plateau State and several others were men of similar clime as his. Some of his contemporaries who served as governors didn’t went through any form of incarceration but somehow went into political oblivion.
A study of the life of Chief James Ibori brings to mind the biblical “man after god’s own heart” who was crowned king of Israel at a young age and never ascended the throne till after many years of struggles, battles and building of mighty men.
Like the biblical King David, James Ibori seems to be a man after god’s own heart and as well a cat with nine lives owing to the way and manner he has managed to continue sustaining his influence/relevance after all his travails.
To make such an audacious comeback in the Nigerian political terrain requires extraordinary strategy and smartness that is somewhat out of this world.
Love him or hate him, like the proverbial cat with nine lives, he would always earn his place among the eminent.
