Former Delta state Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Saturday sneaked into Benin Airport on his way to his home town, Oghara.
Ibori who arrived the airport at about 2.30 pm in a chartered private jet marked 5N-IZY made straight into the VIP lounge where he spent about 10 minutes before he was whisked away by members of his immediate family amidst tight security.
The former Delta state governor who served a jail term in Britain for money laundering, wore a black jacket and black jean trousers and was escorted into an unmarked black Toyota Prado Jeep which sped out of the Benin airport in the company of other vehicles manned by armed and fierce looking Mobile Policemen including plain cloth security operatives.
It was gathered that those who planned his arrival to Oghara had preferred Osubi Airport, near Warri as his arrival venue before going by road to his home town.
As further learnt, a large number of his kinsmen, friends and associates were said to have gathered at the Osubi Airport to give him a rousing welcome including a red carpet reception.
But a source close to him, informed that Ibori decided to change his plan at the last minute to avoid prying eyes and all the preparations made which would have attracted undue publicity and posed security risks hence, his decision to go through Benin Airport.
Meanwhile, Ibori stepped into his country home Oghara at about 3:30 pm Saturday.
His residence was thronged by well wishers and political associates, who came to rejoice with him.
Outside of his residence, Oghara was in frenzy.
Hundreds of people marched round the town carrying leaves while some painted their faces with chalk. Musical bands entertained the crowd at various points.
Mr Ighoyota Amori, a former senator representing Delta Central, said the return of Ibori was a good omen to the people.
“We are happy that Ibori is back, people are jubilating, the crowd you see here and the enthusiasm that has been displayed today showed that we really missed him.
“This is the only way for us to appreciate that our leader who left us long ago is back.
“His coming is a beginning of so many good things to come, by his presence today, l am sure we are gaining back all we have lost.
“Ibori remains in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but it is not time to discuss politics. All his followers around are members of PDP,” Amori said.
Mr Lovett Idisi, member representing Ethiope East and Ethiope West Federal Constituency, thanked God for the safe return of Ibori.
“We prayed that all our PDP faithful should be steadfast now that we have a pure political direction.
“Their support has not been in vain, I believe now that our leader is out, we will have a sense of direction. We are a sheep with a shepherd right now.
“In my constituency, we now have somebody to consult without travelling overseas,” Idisi said.
One of Oghara’s youth leaders, Mr Efe Moses said the return of Ibori would turn things around for the good of the town.
“We are grateful to God for the return of our chief (Ibori). Sure things will turn around for better from now on in Oghara.
“Ibori is our father and we can die because of him,’’ Moses said.
Security was beefed up to maintain law and order within and outside the Ibori residence.
Before his journey to Oghara, he was, however, reportedly picked up by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and then taken to the head office of the DSS for what was described as a briefing.
According to news reports, the British government on Saturday issued a statement to the effect that Ibori was deported to Nigeria, following the conclusion of his jail term in Britain.
The statement disclosed that British officials would continue the legal process to confiscate the proceeds of the former governor’s loot, which would then be returned to Nigeria.
Also according to BBC, the ex-governor agreed to be deported after serving half of his 13-year sentence for fraud totalling nearly 50 million pounds (about N19.462.224.748) in April, 2012.
