Grant Ibori Presidential Pardon Because Every Other Looter Are Walking Freely On The Streets- Group

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative,
IPDI, in Delta State over the weekend called on President Jonathan to grant
presidential pardon on former Delta State Governor, James Ibori explaining that
every other looter who has stolen from government coffers are walking freely in
the streets.

The National President of the
group, Mr. Austin Ozobo said Ibori has suffered enough, even more than anybody
and urged the president to grant him presidential pardon before leaving office next
month. Below is what he told journalists.

“Ibori should be freed. Hundreds
of persons, who looted heavily from government coffers are walking freely in
the streets. The continuous incarceration of one corrupt man among a million
other corrupt citizens cannot change the menace of high level corruption in the
country.

‘’Ibori’s imprisonment could be
seen as a witch-hunt and such is highly barbaric and provocative and the
Nigerian government must quickly do something about his matter. ‘’Despite the
ordeals Ibori is passing through, Deltans hold him in high esteem and his great
achievements while in office cannot be discountenanced.

‘’There should be no sacred cow
among political office holders. Ibori’s case is not different, he is a victim
of circumstances. Release him and let him breathe fresh air and let other
corrupt public office holders be tried as well.”

But my people this is a serious
issue. Do you think President Jonathan should grant him a presidential pardon?
Has he suffered enough? Should corrupt leaders be forgiven and not punished? Are
groups meant to openly plead for corrupt leaders?