As promised, the Federal Government of Nigeria today, Monday, November 9, arraigned former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe. The trial was however stalled by the absence of the Prosecution Witness and thus leaving Justice Danladi Umar of the Code of Conduct Tribunal with no other option than to adjourn till Thursday, November 26, 2015.
56 year-old Orubebe is standing trial on a 4-count charge bordering on bribery and non disclosure of assets as a Minister. The man who almost disrupted the announcement of the Presidential Election results won by Muhammadu Buhari months ago was specifically accused of not declaring Plot 2722 and Plot 2059, Kyamu, in Asokoro, Abuja as his when he was made a Minister on September 26, 2015. And also for allegedly pocketing N70 million bribe from Pastor Jonathan Alota before awarding the man’s company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited, a contract to build a skill acquisition centre in Edo State.
The Burutu, Deltan born one-time governorship hopeful has expectedly maintained that he is being persecuted for supporting former President Goodluck Jonathan, but the Tribunal will now determine that or otherwise.