“The higher the height the steeper the fall” is a saying that exemplifies the cutthroat world of Nigerian politics. Time and time again swift decline has followed rapid ascent and power bases have crumbled into dust in the twinkle of an eye. Men and women, once venerated as the most powerful have been brought low by tricks of foes or twists of fate, becoming pariahs and cautionary tales.
The undisputed Godfather of Delta politics Chief James Onanefe Ibori has however proven an exception to the norm. Not only did he not become a political outcast but his power and prestige have also multiplied manifold since his “second coming” into Niger Delta politics.
Recall that some years back the former governor of Delta State was bundled into jail in London after being found guilty of sundry financial indiscretions. During his time languishing in prison his political enemies were the happiest people on earth as they rejoiced that a painful thorn in their flesh had finally been removed. Unknown to them, their celebrations would be short-lived.
Perhaps James, like a biblical seer, had foreseen the tribulations he would pass through hence he prepared in advance to make sure his political structure wasn’t stolen in his absence. While he was still the Delta helmsman he handpicked his successor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and even his successor’s successor Ifeanyi Okowa. He also carefully planted his loyalists in important executive and legislative posts and in regional agencies like the NDDC.
All these astute moves by the Oghara, Delta-born native were to ensure he remained the defacto most powerful even while cooling his heels in jail. So pervasive was his stranglehold in the region that prominent Niger Delta politicians frequently visited him in prison to seek his blessings for one thing or the other.
It was therefore no surprise when on his release in 2016 the whole region trooped out to welcome him like a conquering hero. The massive turnout during the grand reception in his honour proved that James still has the ears of politicians and the hearts of the masses.
Since then it has been a story of consolidation for Ibori as he fortifies any weak points in his political structure. He has also been expanding his reach into every nook and corner in the Niger Delta. Such is his influence these days that not even former president Goodluck Jonathan is his political match.
After a period of turmoil Ibori the ladies man has well and truly bounced back. His political castle is impregnable, his people are in all the important posts and his opinion has to be sought before any important thing can be carried out. He has truly reclaimed the mantle of Godfather of Niger Delta politics.