The Nigeria Liberty Forum wishes to commend Nigerians in the UK and all over the world for standing firm in following and supporting the trial of former Governor James Ibori’s associates in the UK. The NLF also uses this opportunity to encourage all patriotic Nigerians resident in the UK and beyond to come out in large number to witness the sentencing of Ibori’s sister, Christine Ibie-Ibori, and mistress, Udoamaka Okoronkwo (nee Onuigbo).

This week’s verdicts, which Christine Ibie-Ibori and Udoamaka Okoronkwo (nee Onuigbo), are proof of the success of our relentless efforts to expose all the moves made by the former governor and members of the Umaru Yar’adua cabal to frustrate the trial. Thanks to the persistent effort of patriotic Nigerians, Ibori and his sponsors’ attempts to derail the trial in London became futile.

Many Nigerians also worked with us to neutralize the despicable role played by Tony Baldry, a UK member of parliament. For one, Mr. Baldry tried to interfere in the case by submitting a letter aimed at undermining the efforts of UK law enforcement officials. He also engaged in acts clearly aimed at silencing his critics by engaging top libel lawyers to attempt shutting down blogs and UK newspapers that highlighted his role and attempts in helping Ibori and his associates to escape justice in the UK.

But this week’s guilty verdicts reflect not only the positive impact of our diligent commitment to the cause of ridding Nigeria of corruption but also the attentiveness of UK jurors willing to bring culprits to justice. A small cabal of highly placed Nigerians has recklessly robbed Nigeria’s resources. These shameless and unconscionable robbers have not only raped the nation but also profoundly compromised its institutions and hounded some of its best hands into exile.

The NLF wishes to express its gratitude to all of its members and non- members who made their presence felt physically in the courtrooms to show solidarity with the people of Delta State as well as the bloggers and citizen reporters who invested time and energy to report the progress of the trial. We also thank numerous Nigerians who, like Ms. Ayo Obe (formerly of the Civil Liberties Organization) , either made trips to London to attend the trial or set aside time during their visits to show solidarity with our efforts. We are indebted to the many protesters who made it a point of duty to counter reactionary elements who blamed Ibori’s plight on political persecution rather than his greed. We thank Nigerians all over the world who helped chase Nigeria’s former “Attorney General of Crime,” Michael Aondoakaa, from his hotel room in London as he made efforts to truncate the trial in London, heavily abusing his office.

Finally, we call on all patriotic Nigerians resident in the UK (or even elsewhere) to make time in their calendar to attend the sentencing of Christine Ibie-Ibori and Udoamaka Okoronkwo (nee Onuigbo) at the Southwark Crown Court 8 on Monday June 7th 2010 at 2:00 p.m. prompt.

Nigerians’ presence in massive numbers is needed to send a clear message to the world that we abhor economic crimes that pauperize the majority of Nigerians and sabotage our country’s prospects.

Through your presence in court, you would also send an unambiguous message to Nigerian officials in Abuja that we demand a re-invigorated war against corruption. In order to jumpstart that war, the Goodluck Jonathan administration ought to jettison the incompetent current leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and commence the trial of Mr. Aondoakaa for the “obstruction of justice”. We also call on the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) to commence the process for the retrenchment and trial of Justice Marcel Awokulehin of the Federal High Court who betrayed his office by presiding over a sham trial to reach a pre-arranged verdict that acquitted Mr. Ibori of all money laundering charges.

The NLF once again wishes to express profound gratitude for the role you have played in this struggle to hold corrupt Nigerians accountable, and also to thank you in anticipation of your presence at the Southwark Crown Court on Monday, June 7 at 2:00 p.m.


Signed

Kayode Ogundamisi

Zaynab Galadima

Ken- Eneduwa-George

Ms Abimbola Junaid