Why Do We Celebrate Wrongdoing?

The celebrations that trailed the return of the former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has left me wondering what we consider our values as Nigerians.

James Ibori was recently released from UK prison after serving half of his 13-year sentence. He was accused of laundering nearly £50 Million in April 2012.

His hometown, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria went agog on hearing he was finally released from prison. As if that was the height, he held a thanksgiving service at a Church on Sunday, 12th February, 2017.

              Ibori at the thanksgiving service  (Photo Credit: John Ochuko Jobes)

I feel sad and embittered that a man against whom such weighty allegations were leveled - allegations eventually found to be true - could be given such celebrated welcome. One would expect someone like Mr Ibori to quietly make his return to the country.

Mr Ibori has shown no remorse since he was indicted - during and even after his jail term. This one and only reason should suggest why the Nigerian people should not gladly accept him, rather, we have even gone as far as giving him a popular welcome.

This is not the first time Nigerians have welcomed those who once stole from our common treasury with a pat on the back. Little by little, we are making stealing and other forms of corruption a norm in our country. People who have looted and laundered what belongs to the country should not only be prosecuted but prevented from holding any political office in the future.

Some supporters have said Ibori's tenure as Governor  led to major developments in the Niger Delta region, but the fact remains that he once moved a lot of money at the expense of his community, state and Nigeria as a Nation. That he has done good - as reported - at any time does not mean he should be excused from the penalties of his offences.

We must begin to prove to the world as a people that we frown at all forms of corruption and are serious about punishing offenders. It is worthy of note that Ibori was absolved of these charges in Nigeria, until the UK swung into action to prosecute him based on indisputable evidences.

We must also begin to see public office as a call to serve the people, with their interest at the fore and not an opportunity to siphon funds. No matter the level of development or success any public office holder achieves, once it can be proven that he took advantage of his office to cart away public funds, his 'good' record - which actually is his primary responsibility - must not be used as an excuse to pardon him.

Furthermore, the church in Nigeria should not encourage politicians who have erred,  even when they do not show any sign of remorse for their offences. The church should receive only those who have promised to 'sin no more' which must be exemplified by their actions after their prosecution.

I will encourage Mr. Ibori to publicly apologise for his wrongs, and not tout himself as a politician until the memories of his wrongs are cleared by his efforts at encouraging a crime and corruption-free polity, while also making the lives of his people better in the years to come. This he must do by working silently.