By Our Reporter
Abuja – Thursday, October 9, 2025
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, set tongues wagging after he openly praised former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, describing him as a “towering figure” in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Speaking during the inauguration of newly elected senators, Akpabio said the chamber would have given Ibori a standing ovation if the Senate’s rules had permitted applause.
“Sir, you’re welcome to the chamber of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Unfortunately, we don’t clap here — we would have given you a standing ovation,” Akpabio said, drawing murmurs and subtle reactions from the lawmakers present.
The Senate President’s remarks, which came as the Red Chamber welcomed new legislators, were seen as both a mark of respect and a reminder of the enduring influence of one of Nigeria’s most controversial political figures.
Ibori, who served as Governor of Delta State from 1999 to 2007, remains a key player in the nation’s politics despite his past legal battles.
After leaving office, he faced multiple charges of fraud and money laundering. In 2010, he was arrested in Dubai and extradited to the United Kingdom, where he stood trial. Two years later, a UK court convicted him on several counts of corruption, sentencing him to 13 years in prison.
Ibori served part of his sentence before being released in 2016. Following his conviction, British authorities moved to confiscate assets linked to his illicit activities, including luxury homes, vehicles, and bank accounts. Some of the recovered funds have since been repatriated to Nigeria and reportedly used for development projects.
Despite the conviction, Ibori has remained a strong political force in Delta State. His associates continue to occupy influential positions in government, while his daughter recently secured a seat in the House of Representatives — a testament to the resilience of his political structure.
Akpabio’s public acknowledgment of Ibori’s political legacy has sparked fresh debate over the moral compass of Nigeria’s leadership and the blurred lines between public service and personal redemption.
Political observers say the gesture reflects the deep-rooted culture of loyalty that defines Nigeria’s political class, where influence often outlives controversy.
For many, Wednesday’s scene at the National Assembly was a quiet ovation without applause — a symbolic nod to power, survival, and the enduring weight of political networks in Nigeria’s democracy.
PIONEER NEWS 