ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has arraigned the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Peter Orubebe on a four-count charge, at Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), bordering on false assets declaration.
However, the trial of Orubebe could not proceed as planned because the prosecution was unable to assemble its witnesses before the tribunal, a situation that irked the CCT chairman, Justice Danladi Umar
Justice Umar frowned at the inability of the Federal Government to bring its witnesses to the tribunal to commence the trial of the former minister despite having the ample time to prepare for the case.
Things went awry when the prosecution counsel, Musa Ibrahim Usman, after the “not-guilty” plea of the former minister, pleaded with the tribunal for an adjournment to enable him assemble his witnesses, adding also that the principal witness was out of Abuja.
But the defence counsel, Selekowei Larry (SAN) opposed the request for adjournment and prayed the court to continue proceeding in the matter, saying that the prosecution had all the time to prepare their witnesses for the matter.
The tribunal chairman, who was apparently angry with the prosecution said: “I am not happy that the prosecution’s witnesses are not before the tribunal.
“They have ample time within which to make their witnesses available today. The prosecution should take the proceedings of the tribunal serious.”
Before adjourning the matter till November 26, 2015 for definite hearing, Justice Umar reminded parties in the case that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act provides for speedy hearing in criminal matter.
Earlier, Orubebe pleaded not guilty to the charges, bordering on breach of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Tribunal Act, when they were read out to him.
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The charges were filed by Peter Danladi of Code of Conduct Bureau, on October 8, 2015, on behalf of Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Part of the charges read: “That you Godsday Peter Orubebe while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29th 2011 did make a false declaration in your Asset Declaration Form by failing to declare plot 2722 Kyamu District Abuja on assumption of office on 26th September 2007 and on leaving office (at the end of your tenure), on June 29, 2011 and you thereby committed an offence under section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act Cap C15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of part 1 fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the CCB & T Act and as incorporated under paragraph 18 of part 1, fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)”.
“That you Godsday Peter Orubebe while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about June 29, 2011 did made a false declaration in your asset declaration form by failing to declare plot 2059 Asokoro district, Abuja on assumption of office on September 26, 2007 and on June 29, 2011 and you thereby committed an offence under section 15 of the CCB & T Act, Cap C15, laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of part one fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and punishable under section 23 (2) of the CCB & T Act and as incorporated in paragraph 18 part 1 fifth schedule to The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“That you Godsday Peter Orubebe being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs on or about September 19, 2012 asked for and accepted N50 million from one Pastor Jonathan Alota, as bribe for the contract awarded in favour of his company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 10 of the CCB & T Act CAP C15 laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 1 Federal Republic of Nigeria and punishable under section 23 (2) of CCB & T Act as incorporated under paragraph 18 of part 1, fifth schedule to the Constitution (as amended).
“That you Godsday Orubebe while being a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about 2013 asked for and accepted N20 million from one Pastor Jonathan Alota as additional bribe for the contract awarded in favour of his company Chemtronics Nigeria Limited for the construction of skill acquisition Centre at Edo State for the sum of ₦ 1,799,914,251.88 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 10 of CCB & T Act as incorporated under paragraph 18 of part 1 fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).