Ibori To Daughter: “You Saved My Legacy, Saved My Face”

By Adesina Soyooye

A grateful James Ibori has thanked his daughter, Erhiatake Ibori -Suenu for saving him from mockery. Ibori, a two-term Governor of Delta State, 1999-2007, appreciated his daughter a Legislator, on her 45th birthday.

In an emotional letter to Ibori-Suenu, the former Governor acknowledged: “Without you, the assaults on my legacy would have prevailed.”

Ibori, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was a power-broker in the Party during the President Olusegun Obasanjo Government. Indeed, before then, he was also powerful as he was allegedly one of the few people very close to the late  former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

However, his political sun dimmed after Obasanjo, when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, let itself loose on him. Ibori became a fugitive in his own country  and escaped through the fingers  of the EFCC when they cased his country home, Oghara,  to Dubai.

But he was dramatically taken from Dubai to the United Kingdom where he was eventually taken into custody, prosecuted and jailed. He came back to Nigeria after serving his jail term, sadly with a tag of an ex- convict on his neck.

Since then, his political influence in the State and Nigeria has waned considerably. For instance, in the 2023 Governorship election, his candidate did not prevail. The candidate of the immediate past Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Sheriff Oborevwori did.

But he still retains a little influence, and is gradually crawling out into visibility since the President Bola Tinubu Government. He is a member of “Class 1999 of Governors” with Tinubu.

The greatest legacy he, however, has to show for his journey in politics, since, being an ex-convict, he cannot quite contest for any position or appointed to one, remains his daughter who has followed his career path –  politics.

He does realise that, and acknowledges it in his birthday letter to his daughter.

Ibori wrote:

“Erhiatake,

“Today, 45 years ago, God almighty gave you to the family. I celebrate you with immense pride and gratitude.

“Over the years, you have grown into a fearless and principled leader, standing firm against compromise and defending values greater than personal gain.

“Your decision to walk in my footsteps politically has been vindicated. Without you the assaults on my legacy might have prevailed.

“I thank God for your life, as well as the mentors, supporters, and loved ones who have guided you on this journey. Today, I wish you continued good health, divine wisdom, and unyielding strength as you forge ahead. You have made your immediate family proud, your siblings proud, and your constituency proud. Above all, you have made me profoundly proud.

“On behalf of my wife, your siblings, and our entire family, I pray that today is as remarkable as the impact you make every day. Happy 45th Celebration, Erhiatake! May the years ahead shine even brighter.”

Even though Ibori is still in the PDP, his State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who a few days ago dumped the Party and defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has let it be known that Ibori is likely to jump ship soon.