Just two years ago, Bode George, was a renegade, who had fallen out favour with the top hierarchy of the People`s Democratic Party (PDP). At a time when members of the ruling party could do no wrong, Chief Bode George was thrown to the dogs, and convicted for fraud and abuse of office. He was found guilty of inflating the contract prices contrary to Section 22 (3) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. But since his incarceration the PDP has suffered set back in south west, considered to be Bode George strong hold.
Having lost three states, specifically, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states, the ruling party has realized that despite his shortcoming, the “Lagos Boy” is not inconsequential after all.
One of the governors who lost his state to rival ACN, was said to have told the ruling party`s BOT, that there was no way PDP would have lost three states, under Bode George`s watch(South West Peoples Democratic Party Chairman).
To this end, huhuonline.com learnt that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftains turned out en masse in Lagos this morning, to honour former South West Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Chief Olabode George, who was released from Maximum Prison in Kirikiri, Saturday.
Olabode George a.ka. “Lagos Boy”, who served as board chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), was convicted on Monday, October 26, 2009, for fraud and abuse of office, by a Lagos High Court.
Olabode George who was overjoyed at the rousing thanksgiving service held in his honour by PDP, at the Cathedral Church, Marina, said,
“Out there in the prison, you are totally blanked out; you don’t know what is going on, so, I want to thank you guys, thank all Nigerians with malice to nobody and love for all. We will make our country envy to other nations. I have collected the certificate from the University Life and I thank God. I just graduated from the University of Life”. Dignitaries who graced the occasion includes, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Ogun state Governor, Musiliu Obanikoro, Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, , Ayodele Fayose former Governor of Ekiti state, Adetokunbo Kayode, minister of defense, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Mr. John Odey and several other people.
Also, President Goodluck Jonathan sent a high powered delegation to welcome “Lagos Boy”.
Chief Olabode George, while recounting his experience in prison, described it as very educative and "I will share the experience with you guys later on.
"But for now, it is time to go and get briefed on what has been happening in Nigeria".
"In there, you are totally black out. You don't know what is going on. So I want to give thanks to all Nigerians".
"With no malice to anybody, and with love to all. We will make our country the envy of all nations".
"I thank God. It is a new ground in there. I just graduated from the University of life".
"So, it is very, very, very interesting and I will share those experience with you later. But now, it is thanks giving."
The environment up to his house was filled with loyalists who displayed PDP flags
While some Nigerians lamented the rousing welcome, others asked the he be pardoned of the alleged crime in order to make him useful again.
PDP Lagos West Senatorial candidate, Moshood Adegoke Salvador, tasked the federal government to grant him state pardon as his challenges had political undertone.
Asked about the celebration the released of Bode George, NLC Assistant Secretary, Denja Yaqub, said, “It is absurd, sad and absolutely immoral for a man convicted of a crime as bad as stealing public fund to come out of jail after serving his full jail term to roll out drums & start partying. May be the court made a mistake not seizing the funds, properties & still jail. Bode George represent shameless face of a failed system. It’s a shame”.
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