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A picture of the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, James Manager, kneeling before former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has generated reactions on social media.
In the picture, the federal lawmaker is seen wearing Ankara with a face mask below his chin and his hands folded. Ibori wears a light blue outfit and sits on a dark red couch.
The photo which was shared on Facebook by a former Senator from Kaduna State, Shehu Sani, was originally posted by a Facebook user, identified as Femi Ogunsanwo.
Ogunsanwo’s Facebook profile indicates that he is a PhD student of Energy and Power at Cranfield University.
Sharing the picture on his page on Friday, July 23, Ogunsanwo wrote: “Inset picture has Senator James Manager (Delta South) kneeling in front of James Ibori. A 5-term Senator, elected to the National Assembly since 2003. By 2023, the man would have been in Senate for 20 years.
“That brings me to next question why will a 61 year old man (born July 1960) be kneeling in front of James Ibori who is almost 62 (born August 1959).
“When James Onanefe Ibori served as Governor of Delta State, James Manager was the State PDP Chairman, even if he wants to become next Governor of Delta State in 2023, is it necessary to kneel down like a “School Boy” in front of the Headmaster which this picture indicate. #justscribblingmythoughts”
Manager was first elected to the Senate on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to represent the Delta South Senatorial District in 2003.
He was re-elected as a member of the Red Chamber in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019. By 2023 when another election will be conducted, he will have spent 20 years in the Senate.
Ibori served as Delta State Governor from 1999 to 2007. His political influence waned after being convicted in the United Kingdom for embezzling billions of state funds.
The recovery of some of the public funds looted by him recently generated buzz across the country. Ibori and Manager are both chieftains of the PDP.
The picture has, however, drawn heated reactions from Nigerians.
Ayodele Adaramaja, on Facebook wrote: “What is the man behind the kneeling senator holding? A plate containing a huge check to be presented to the kingpin or to break kola for prayers to the god of money and power?”
Babájídé Ìbítóyè said: “Call me arrogant, but I cannot imagine grovelling in the presence of another born of woman like this especially in the sphere of public service. It is this attitude that has made some in leadership feel unaccountable and “untouchable”. I would rather “fall on my sword” ….and go home.”
Commenting, Ashiru Danliman said: “That’s how low and cheap our politicians are. You will be shocked to know that most of our politicians do the same to their Godfathers. Very sad and disgraceful.”
Victor Balogun wrote: “Nigeria political class is a well organised crime clique headed by political bourgeois in different territories.”
Chris Sesan said: “So sad bro and don’t be surprise if he’s elected Governor come 2023.”