James Ibori is Not Riding With Pro-Biafra Groups

Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, on Sunday shut-down rumours associating him with the new Biafra struggle. The former Governor’s thought was sought after a group protesting in Enugu used his photograph during their gathering.

His Media Assistant (Balling in Jail), Tony Eluemunor spoke to the media as directed by Ibori about the latter’s displeasure about the use of his photograph in unpatriotic activities.

Tony said, “all through his life, he had believed in a strong, united Nigeria where the rights of every citizen is held sacrosanct and where no region, state or even local government area, is neglected or is made to feel alienated in whatever way, no matter how infinitesimal.”

The former governor therefore called on those who have been misusing his name and picture – indeed his personality – in furtherance of a project he never believed in at any time and in any way to desist forthwith from using his picture and/or name during their demonstrations.

Speaking further : “The world hailed Nigeria for the peaceful way the rather fierce Nigerian civil war ended in 1970. It is worrisome that 45 years after the end of that war, its residues are being dug up to further divide us and betray our efforts at national reconciliation and development.

“This must not be allowed to continue. Nigeria has lived in peace in the past 45 years, and whatever challenges, disagreements that may have re-surfaced, are not beyond our collective ability to resolve.

“I therefore call on all concerned, the demonstrators and the leaders of the different strata of government to identify the problems, determine the solutions, and turn the stumbling blocks into genuine building blocks for real nation building.”

Ibori said many other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Spain, “have sections agitating for various kinds of autonomy. But if those countries have managed to keep such agitations at the level of peaceful discussions, Nigeria’s case should by no means lead to another national tragedy.

“Nigeria has split enough blood in internecine squabbles. Now is the time for genuine peace, national unity, and thorough-going, all-inclusive fast-paced development .”