A former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe was Monday charged before the Justice Danladi Umar led Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja over allegations bordering on false declaration of assets and bribery to the tune of N70 million.
Orubebe, who served under the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, was docked on a four-count charge by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Although he pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him, the prosecution’s failure to produce witnesses forced an adjournment till November 26, 2015, after counsel Ibrahim Usman, asked for the adjournment.
Represented by Selekeowe Larry, he asked the court to release Orubebe on bail but the request was declined by the judge, who said he would not entertain any discussion on bail at Monday’s arraignment.
The charges read: “That you, Godsday Peter Orubebe, while being a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Niger Delta Affairs, on or about 29th June, 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 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1) & (2) of Part 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution and punishable under section 23(2) of the CCB & T Act.
“That you Godsday Peter Orubebe while 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 the sum of fifty million naira from one Pastor (Dr) 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, and punishable under Section 23 (2) of CCB & T Act.
“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 the sum of twenty million naira from one Pastor (Dr.) 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 one billion seven hundred and ninety nine million, nine hundred and fourteen thousand two hundred and fifty naira eighty eight kobo only (N 1,799,914,251.88K) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 10 of CCB & T Act.”