An Ijaw group, the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative,
IPDI, in Delta State, weekend, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to grant
presidential pardon to the former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori,
before his exit from Aso Villa, next month.
Mr. Austin
Ozobo, in interactive with newsmen, said: “Chief Ibori has suffered enough and
there is no justification for not granting him clemency, as had been done to
others.”
Ozobo said Ibori was not the only corrupt leader in the
country, but unfortunately, he has undergone indescribable hardship more than
others.
“Ibori should be freed. Hundreds of persons, who looted
heavily from government coffers are walking freely in the streets. The
continuous incarceration of one corrupt man among a million other corrupt
citizens cannot change the menace of high level corruption in the country.
‘’Ibori’s imprisonment could be seen as a witch-hunt and
such is highly barbaric and provocative and the Nigerian government must
quickly do something about his matter. ‘’Despite the ordeals Ibori is passing
through, Deltans hold him in high esteem and his great achievements while in
office cannot be discountenanced.
‘’There should be no sacred cow among political office
holders. Ibori’s case is not different, he is a victim of circumstances.
Release him and let him breathe fresh air and let other corrupt public office
holders be tried as well.”
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