Nigerians react as senator kneels before ex-convict James Ibori

Hundreds of Nigerians have taken to social media in reaction to a photo of James Manager, a ranking senator from Delta State, kneeling before James Ibori, a two-term governor of the state, and an ex-convict.

In the viral photo, the 61-year-old lawmaker who has been representing Delta South Senatorial District in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly since 2003, knelt and appeared begging Ibori.

Politics Nigeria understands that the begging senator is desperate for Ibori’s support in his bid to succeed the incumbent state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Ibori ruled the oil-rich Delta State from 1999 to 2007 and was later convicted for embezzling billions of state funds. In spite of his criminal record, which is known to members of the public, Ibori has remained influential, such that he joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, while some see Manager’s action to kneel before Ibori as a sign of respect in Urhobo culture, many social media users expressed their disappointments in the lawmaker.

Chai. Lmao. Senator James Ibori kneeling down for James Ibori. https://t.co/2iGzxjNi7z

— Sola (@Advsola) July 23, 2021

This is James Manager. A Manager will always have a General Manager. Obviously, Ibori is.

— Otuaa (@IndigoNG20) July 23, 2021

Nigeria is a Crime Scene! Here is a Aerving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, James Manager on his knees seeking political favour from an ex-convict former Governor of Delta state, James Ibori!
It is finished . pic.twitter.com/SccZL15Enk

— The Nigerian Aristocrat (@NaijaAristocrat) July 22, 2021

https://twitter.com/Mindset_tweet/status/1418553686079545351?s=20

Delta state is too volatile, it's time for delta central to rule. Hate him or not, Ibori remains the godfather with the final say

— Brother_Mouzone (@franz411) July 23, 2021

First Ibori is older than James Manager,secondly Ibori is his boss, thirdly Ibori was praying for him with kola and drink.

As Africans it is believed that during such,the receiver should kneel down. To me it's not a big deal….

— Samuel HighlyFavoured Ekiyor (@Sammie_Rockie14) July 23, 2021