A Social Crusader and Frontline Philanthropist, Chief Patrick Osagie Eholor has said that the GBP4.2 million looted by a former governor of Delta state, James Ibori has brought so much shame to the nation and the people of Niger Delta.
The United Kingdom had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria to return the sum of GBP4.2 million assets stolen by former Delta State governor, James Ibori.
There has been debate over the ownership of the money. While the federal government has announced plans on how the money will be spent, the Delta State government said it would claim the money in court. The House of Representatives has also asked the executive to put on hold the proposed spending of the money.
But adding his voice into the debate through a chat with TheWhisperer, Eholor said the action of Ibori was an embarrassment to the nation especially the Niger Delta region.
According to Eholor, The pursuit of good governance in Nigeria should focus on encouraging trustworthy and competent personalities.
He said “Nigerians must elect leaders that are committed to serving in the public’s interest. Disenchantment with the political system, especially among the rapidly growing youth population, makes the challenge increasingly urgent; thereby encouraging actors like James Ibori and co to take charge. I feel the act of looting is not limited to Ibori alone. Even those in power now are doing similar thing and it’s very shameful.”
Eholor, who is also the Global President of One Love Foundation advised that the money should be properly utilized to the general wellbeing of the masses who are the real victims of the kleptomaniac nature of Nigerian politicians.
“Like what a certain Deputy Governor said, returning the money to Delta State Government will encourage corruption and make a laughing stock of our fight against corruption. Seizing of the money will improve our electoral process especially at state level by discouraging the practice whereby outgoing governors, by hook or crook, impose successors, whom they believe will cover their ‘back’ after they leave office
Therefore, there is no guarantee that the money if returned to Delta State will not go the same way as before or worst still, find its way back to the culprit.
“Remember Abacha’s loot? Personally I can’t remember what was done with it. I had personally thought it would have been used to improve the welfare of the police and other security agencies and to buy weapons to fight insurgency, kidnappings and banditry.
“Nothing is impossible. This is Nigeria! Consequently, the money should be properly used to the betterment of the poor masses who are the real victims of corruption in Nigeria.” He said.
