Ibori’s Conviction: Matters Arising

The wicked shall not go unpunished but the righteous or just shall live by faith. This is a natural and fundamental law of justice laid down for humanity. Can we say it is all done on Governor Ibori now? Of course, YES! Bravo to Southward Crown Court of England.

Few weeks ago, precisely on April 17, Ibori, former two-time governor of oil-rich Delta State of South-South Nigeria was convicted and given a 13 years jail term in Southward Crown Court of London over charges of money laundering that amounted to over 250 million Dollars. In the same vein, his wife, sister, girlfriend and lover were also jailed for various terms for collaboration, and abetting in the arcane and nefarious crime. Apparently, this is one of the best accomplishments of the President Jonathan’s transformation agenda. Though this is transformation across border, but it is absolutely the most significant because it has to do with curbing corruption and fraudulent practices in high places.

Ironically, the dramatic and rhetoric scenario has got a lot of valuable implications, lessons and matters arising in it – in other words, the pains and gains of the act.

One of the most important matter arising is the ugly face of the law and definite disregard to the nature of justice and equity in Nigeria’s judicial system. I strongly believe that the law which is for correction and judgment ought to be delivered without fear or favour or influence. It rather becomes a toothless bulldog and an empty piece of weightless paper when it is done the other way. Just like the words of the Italian theologian, (1225-74), St. Thomas Aquinas, “human law is law only by virtue of its accordance with right reason, and by this means it is clear that it flows from eternal law. In so far as it deviates from right reason it is called an unjust law, and in such a case, it is no law at all, but rather an assertion of violence”.

It will be recalled that the same Ibori was discharged and acquitted for the same offence in a Nigerian High Court, in Asaba. But as providence would have it he was afterward convicted in London’s Court for the same offences, too. It will also be recalled that he pleaded “NOT GUILTY” and was free in Asaba, but pleaded guilty in London, what a judicial contradiction! In the face of the law, how can we describe or qualify the sharp difference in judgment?

Again, in the eyes of the law, which of the judgments are we accepting to be justice in its true colour? Is it justice that says no to corruption and returns looted wealth at the expense of the citizens to the state or judgment that gives a pat on the back to crooks in government? Even when London has no stake in the loot, however, she decided to set a precedent for Nigeria and her judicial system. This is justice by example, which should be emulated by the Nigerian judicial ssytem.

Today in Nigeria, the clamour for development and growth, politically, socially and economically in the South-South is more or less a national anthem. But how can the needed development be achieved with the voluminous amount of corruption that goes on in every sphere of the area. Two hundred and fifty million Dollars can substantially put smile on millions of faces through agriculture, education, health, power or other sectors of the economy in Delta State. This is the minimum that could be discovered, what about the undiscovered maximum, plus those hidden by his cohorts? This is Delta alone, what about other states in the region and Nigeria in general? The problem of sustainable development in the various sectors of our economy would surely fade away like the stars of the morning if this careless act of judicial financial improprieties and customised corruption in high and low places could not be checkmated.

Ibori’s conviction also nailed the anti-graft agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the cross of incompetence, betrayal of trust and confidence. A lot is expected of EFCC in practical terms than parade of alleged corrupt officers. In a country like Nigeria, it is not over until it is over because anything can happen at any time. It is very incredible to read and hear that EFCC said they have “more trouble for Ibori”. Reading through their statement published in one of the national papers on Saturday April 21, 2012, one can not but laugh at their folly. “The EFCC wishes to restate the fact that the offences for which Ibori was jailed in London is only a fraction of the array of criminal infraction committed by the former governor. The commission remains committed in its determination to bring Ibori and other alleged corrupt politically exposed persons and corporate titans to book in Nigeria, no matter how long it takes”. This is always the comic words of EFCC. How long shall we continue to wait for their result that is not always coming? If not for London, how many among the numbers of suspects have they convicted? Enough is enough of words, allegations, prosecution without conviction even at the face of clear and convincing evidence.

The concept of godfatherism poses another serious threat to the sustenance of our political structure and nascent democracy. This is one of the lessons and implications of this dastardly act of former governor Ibori. A country where justice is gotten through biding policy, juicy contract promises without heeding to the rule-of-law will continue to experience crack in its system.

However, in spite of the pains behind the scene, the derivative principle of cumulative gains strongly supplement it in very great measure. For instance, it serves as a deterrent to our greedy public and political office holders in all ramifications. The past criminal activities and record of every one aspiring for position of trust both in public and private sectors should be considered and x-rayed. The London investigation that revealed the several, convictions Ibori had suffered during his youthful days on offences of theft and other criminal tendencies is of great significance. By this development, we therefore call for the establishment of a “Criminal Record Bureau (CRB)” that will be like a Data Bank to showcase the criminal record of every citizen of the  country from the age of 18 years to enhance our quest for credible democratic leaders.

The final journey of the flamboyant and dishonourable governor, His Excellency, Chief James Ibori from pasture to prison, otherwise, grace to grass is a big lesson for our honourables, captains of our various sectors and the generality of Nigerians. The Almighty God is watching us, what you sow is what you reap.

Hon. Monson B. Tordee (JP), a social commentator and public affairs analyst resides in Port Harcourt.

Monsoon B. Tordee