The Director General of the DSS, Mallam Lawal Daura, has explained that he met with James Ibori, former governor of Delta state, for “a short debriefing session and to also welcome him back to his fatherland”
Speaking during a chat with journalists in Abuja, Daura said, “He met me for a short debriefing session and way forward; also, to welcome him back to his fatherland. We are also meeting soon to discuss issues of interest affecting the nation” Daura was quoted saying.
Ibori returned to Nigeria on Saturday after serving a jail term in the United Kingdom for corruption.
A UK court had convicted him of fraud in 2012 and handed him a 13-year jail sentence.
He regained freedom in December, after serving four and a half years, and agreeing to be deported from the UK.
When he was released, there was outrage at the public display of solidarity by his friends and associates.
A similar scenario played out on Saturday, as there was wild jubilation in Oghara, his hometown in Delta.
A mammoth crowd had earlier converged on the Osubi Airport, near Warri to receive him, but some of them left after waiting for hours.
He later arrived at the Benin airport in neighboring Edo state, via a chartered flight before leaving for Oghara.
He is expected to return to the UK to keep his February 17 date with the Southwark Crown Court in the ongoing asset seizure hearing.
Born on August 4, 1959, Ibori was the governor of Delta from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP)
Party (PDP)
Meantime, the ancient town of Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta was on Saturday agog as former governor James Ibori returned home after serving jail term in a UK prison.
Ibori stepped into his country home in Oghara at about 3:30 pm on Saturday after spending four and half years in a UK prison.
His residence was besieged by well-wishers and political associates in the state, whom came to felicitate with their leader.
Hundreds of the well-wishers trekked around the town carrying leaves while some painted their faces with chalk jubilating
Similarly, musical stands were set up in various locations in the town as musicians entertained the crowd.
Speaking outside Ibori’s home, Mr. Ighoyota Amori, a former senator representing Delta Central, said the return of Ibori was a good omen to the people.
He said, “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 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but it is not time to discuss politics, all his followers around are members of PDP.”
Also speaking to newsmen, Mr. Lovett Idisi, member representing Ethiope East and Ethiope West Federal Constituency, thanked God for the safe return of Ibori.
He said, “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.”
One of Oghara’s youth leaders, Mr. Efe Moses said the return of Ibori would turn things around for the good of Oghara.
He said, “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.”
Security was beefed up to maintain law and order within and outside the Ibori residence.
END.
