James Ibori: Little Did They Know

By Allison Abanum*

If you’re looking for a Niger Delta leader beleaguered from all sides, look no further than Chief James Ibori, the ramrod straight man from Oghara, in Delta State, who will soon celebrate his 66th birthday.

In the jungle of life, we often say, “One fish must swallow another to become big.” Permit me to update that expression. Over the years, relentless efforts have been made to demolish the legacy of James Ibori, including attempts to eliminate him politically. False stories, cheap propaganda, manufactured lies, evil plans, maledictions, fake news, opprobrium, odium – literally surface-to-air missiles and every possible offensive weapon – have been deployed, yet the man trudges on. Ever calm, sedate, and peaceful, he remains certain in the absolute wisdom of what Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe once said: “History will vindicate the just.”

If only more Nigerians knew James Ibori. If only more sons and daughters of the Niger Delta knew the essential Ibori – the quintessential patriot and stoic leader – they would behave differently, relate to him with more care, and show him more love and respect.

While many of his admirers across Nigeria were wondering how the immediate past Governor of Delta State could betray, undermine, and strategically insult the man (James Ibori) who made him a super commissioner and wholeheartedly supported his governorship even while incarcerated through a grand intercontinental conspiracy, a young man named Diamond Osakiogho, alias Paranran, recently hurled false allegations on social media. This attack was directed at a man who has shown nothing but kindness, even to his benefactors. The former Governor has shone his light for all to see over the years, overlooking hatred, abuse, lies, and insults from narrow-minded individuals – a testament to the greatness of Ibori.

Recently, a current Governor in the South-South, whom James Ibori had helped secure his second term victory after the Governor came begging for assistance, similarly behaved like Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa did towards Ibori. But is James Ibori the one who loses? Not at all. It is our people who ultimately lose out from such perfidy. As Jamaican musician Eric Donaldson sang in his hit song ‘Little Did You Know:’

“You think that you are hurting me, but little did you know you are only hurting yourself.”

As we celebrate a man who continues to pray day and night for his people, as we honor a father who is for everybody and hates no one, as we salute a pathfinder who is not concerned about APC, PDP, LP, ADC, or any other political party but is only interested in the well-being of Nigeria and Nigerians, the least we can do is show him respect by not distracting him with lies and hatred.

Too many people have chosen to believe falsehoods that have become entrenched in their minds, rather than the truth. What are some of the false narratives hurled against Ibori, which demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of the man?

He is PDP but supports APC? Really? I have seen no evidence of this in the past four years. Ibori is more than a friend and brother to many. He is well-admired and loved by leaders across the political spectrum. If Mr. Peter Obi were President, he would listen to Ibori from Delta State before anyone else.

I have seen several times how Peter Obi honours Ibori whenever he sees him at an event – a clear Big Brother-Younger Brother relationship. So, it’s amazing that some people conclude that this Niger Delta leader is supporting anyone in particular.

Another is “he is not supporting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.” Really? In January 2024, on his social media handles, Ibori asked all Deltans to support the Governor. If Ibori were to involve himself in the affairs of the state beyond the level of the elder statesman that he is, the same people would scream “he is overbearing and interfering,” and their attacks would follow.

Ibori is generous beyond words. He is a kind man, which explains why he is both loved and hated. He loves this country dearly. He is a man of personal discipline with a burning passion for the infrastructural development of the Niger Delta and indeed our country as a whole.

Yet, some people are plotting and engineering schemes to bring him down. Who loses? Our people, of course.

If only they knew and understood the real James Ibori, they would show respect, kindness, gratitude, care, and love to this political enigma. The “fish must eat fish to be big” theory is a myopic concept that has led many to destruction in the political jungle.

As we celebrate a father, a leader, a hero, a man of enviable legacies, a true patriot, an excellent role model, and a pillar of the Niger Delta, let’s strive to emulate his leadership style.

*Abanum writes from Abuja.