‘Ex-governor loves Nigeria more than any other thing,’ Delta Speaker says

monjola sotubo

December 22, 2016 2:49 PM

Igbuya made the comment in reaction to Ibori’s release from a United Kingdom prison on Wednesday, December 21.

Former governor of Nigeria's Delta state James Ibori attends a social function in Lagos in this file photo taken December 10, 2009. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Monday Igbuya has said that former governor,

“Chief James Ibori loves Nigeria more than any other thing. He made great sacrifices on several occasions to demonstrate this love. James Ibori is a pillar in Delta State,” Igbuya said in a statement.

Also Delta Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi has revealed how Ibori continued to influence state and national politics despite being imprisoned in the United Kingdom.

Nwaoboshi, who represents the Delta North Senatorial District, made the comments in London after Ibori’s release on Wednesday.

“There are many people who have been governors, who have never been opportuned to make their successors, but James Ibori made his successor,” he said.

“There may never be a governor in Nigerian history again who will sit in the prison and make a governor. And there might never be a governor again in the history of Nigeria who will sit in the prison and make senators.

“And there will be never be a governor again who will sit in the cell and support a senate president,” he added.

Nwaoboshi and other Ibori supporters present also spoke about how made his daughter a State House of Assembly member from prison.

The former governor’s supporters in his hometown, Oghara also celebrated his release and spoke of their anticipation for his return.

Ibori was arrested in 2010 and jailed in 2012 after pleading guilty to money laundering charges.

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He was initially sentenced to 13 years in prison but eventually spent only four and a half years out of his term before being released.

Ibori will however remain in the UK till January 2017 when a case concerning his confiscated assets will be determined.

monjola sotubo