Despite currently serving a 13-year jail term in the United Kingdom for a series of financial crimes committed while serving as governor of Delta State, James Ibori has being applauded for his thievery. The applause came from the Anglican Bishop of Ughelli Diocese, Rt. Reverend Cyril Odutemu. 
At a thanksgiving ceremony held on Sunday at St. Luke's Anglican Church, Otovwodo-Ughelli, Odutemu said: "If every politician in Delta State stole like Ibori, Delta State would have been better off than its current position.".
The thanksgiving ceremony was held by a member of the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Sir Amos Itihwe.
The Bishop took time to explain himself to the gathering brimming with top government dignitaries in the state. : "Take a look around the state today, you would see that as governor, Ibori established institutions of higher learning in every senatorial district of the state," he said.
In his remark, Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, charged political appointees to use their positions to impact positively in their communities.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Festus Agas, the governor stressed the need for them to leave behind worthy legacies that would endear their people to them.