Nigerians have begun reacting to a picture of Senator James Manager (Delta South) kneeling before former Delta governor James Ibori.
The picture was taken on Wednesday when Manager visited Mr Ibori who is considered a leader by many Delta politicians despite being convicted of fraud.
An associate of the senator told PUNCH that Manager’s gesture was a sign of respect in Urhobo culture.
“Whenever you go to pay homage to an Urhobo elder or someone you hold in high esteem, you kneel down,” the source said.
Ibori was governor from 1999 to 2007 while Manager has been a senator since 2003. The latter is rumoured to be considering a shot at the governorship seat.
Despite the gesture being a tradition among the Urhobo people, there have been varying reactions on Facebook.
Solomon Umebo wrote, “I don’t see anything wrong for kneeling down to someone while laying foundation for the future it’s sign of humility despite ibori is being a victim of money laundry he is one of prominent politicians in Nigeria because he has been offered pardon law according to the constitution (sic).”
Banjo David Babajide wrote, “Until Godfatherism is killed in Nigeria system/Politics. Things can never get better. These are the people and reasons they dictate the affairs of the administration.”
Ernest Lekweke wrote, “Enslaving ourselves in the name of godfather is evil. I blame the political structures and loopholes of both the electoral law and 1999 constitution. If elections truly counts in Nigeria, without rigging, all these nonsense will stop.”
Another Facebook user Beaty Anam wrote, “That means he’s Obi Cubana in politics. He must be a very powerful man.”
Alexander Seconds reacted, “During ibori regime Delta was truly the sunrise state.”
Debo Olutayo wrote, “He has been a good leader and that’s why he’s still relevant despite his shortcomings.”
