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Tag: Orubebe

  • Who is Orubebe?

    Who is Orubebe?

    Elder Peter Godsday Orubebe is a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from Ijaw decent in Delta State.

    Born on June 6, 1959, Orubebe was appointed Nigerian Minister of Niger Delta Affairs in 2010 when President Goodluck Jonathan (then Acting President) announced his new cabinet.

    He is a graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), obtaining a B.Sc in Political Science in 1985, but later obtained a Masters Degree in International Relations from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, in 2005.

    Orubebe became a Supervisory Councilor, and later Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area. In July 2007 under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, he was appointed a Minister of Special Duties.

    He later became Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs when that ministry was created in December 2008 to oversee the amnesty programme for militants from that region.

    In January 2010, he said the proposed 10 per cent equity share policy on infrastructural development in the Niger Delta region would make vandalism and crisis a thing of the past.

    Controversially, on March 31, 2015, the elder, acting as a polling agent for the PDP, almost distrupted the collation of president election results when he threw caution to the wind and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, of bias.

    He later apologized to Nigerians over his conduct, urging them not to follow in his footsteps.

    “I totally regretted my action,” he told bewildered Nigerians.

    The aftermath of the controversy made thousands of Nigerians raised eyebrow on Tuesday when a post appeared on his twitter handle, allegedly declaring his plans to join the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    However, his media aide has denied that there is no truth in the post claiming that the PDP chieftain remains loyal to the party.

  • Polls’ violence: Patience Jonathan, Orubebe, others faces U.S visa ban

    Polls’ violence: Patience Jonathan, Orubebe, others faces U.S visa ban

    The United States government said on Monday it will impose visa restrictions on the wife of Nigeria’s president, Patience Jonathan, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, the governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, and several others for inciting violence and interfering with the country’s electoral process.

    The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said in a ​statement that America will shut its doors on people involved in any form of violence during the polls.

    “Anyone found to have incited violence or interfered with electoral processes will be unwelcome in the United States and subject to visa sanctions,” Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said in the statement.

    Although the U.S official did not mention names of those considered for sanctions, Orubebe has been listed in several quarters as one of those that will be affected, ostensibly because of his unruly behavior during the collation of the presidential election results at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s National Collation centre in Abuja last month.

    The former minister verbally assaulted the INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, alleging that the results of the election were skewed in favour of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Although Orubebe later apologized to Nigerians, his action was widely condemned within and outside the country.

    Mrs. Jonathan on her part incited violence against APC supporters during the Peoples Democratic Party’s campaign activities in some parts of the country.

    Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said while the elections were generally peaceful, some people resolved to undermine the will of Nigerians and interfere with electoral processes through violence and voter intimidation.

     

  • Orubebe’s misconduct

    • The ex-minister’s display at the collation of presidential election result is a classical example of how an elder should not behave in public

    It is quite saddening that daily, we are reminded of the poor leadership selection process in the country.  Elder Godsday Orubebe’s display at the collation centre for the presidential election is one of the worst reminders that the country has a long way to go in recruiting men of honour and panache to handle critical national assignments.

    The former Minister of the Niger Delta did not realise that being at the centre was a rare privilege that was extended to him because he was considered mature and accomplished. The national ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had sent the elder from Delta State to represent it at the collation of the results, believing that he would be of good behaviour and portray the party and Nigeria in good light to the world.

    It is shameful that Elder Orubebe could insist on sending the presiding officer over the collation, Professor Attahiru Jega packing. It is difficult to fathom that such a man could think that by creating a scene  at the event he could disrupt and draw the curtains on such a sacred assignment that millions of  Nigerians were waiting with bated breath for its outcome. Was the former minister familiar with provisions of the law on the circumstances by which a chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could be removed from office?

    He displayed both bad judgement and bad faith. He kept calling on Professor Jega to abandon the exercise without giving him an opportunity to respond to the allegations he had made. Orubebe then proceeded to sit on the floor, refused to release the microphone and kept yelling with the intent to cause commotion. Were the former minister a minor, he would be liable to spanking by his parents, but being an elder, who knows what his bewildered wife and children would have said to him for giving them such a poor image?

    We join Professor Jega in calling for decorum by those privileged to have held public office in the land. We commend the INEC chairman for his mature handling of the situation. Even when it was obvious that Orubebe deserved to be thrown out of the room for being a misfit for the occasion, Jega remained calm and waited for the former minister to calm down before ordering for continuation of the exercise. When he chose to speak on the matter, he gave all the reasons why Orubebe had no justification for what he did.

    On the allegation that the INEC chairman was partial and selective in treating matters referred to him as the chief electoral commissioner and returning officer for the election, Jega pointed out that he did not receive any petition from the PDP. He explained that Col. Bello Fadile who attempted to present some sheets of papers to him adopted the wrong procedure and was chided for doing so. As such, Professor Jega said the so-called PDP petition was not before the commission.

    On the ruling party’s fear that the figures from Rivers State had been rejected, the INEC chairman said the commission found no basis to take such an action as an election was indeed held in the state last Saturday. He crowned his submission by saying, even if with due respect, that a person of Orubebe’s stature should not have behaved in such a manner.

    Although the former minister has apologised, we must say he should never have contemplated what he did in the first place. If Prof Jega had not exhibited maturity and the exercise had been disrupted, will an apology be able to contain the consequences of such behaviour?

    We commend the Jega example to all public officers. Had the INEC chairman ordered that the source of irritation be bundled out to allow resumption of proceedings, the outcome would not have been as smooth.

    As we move towards the second set of elections next week, we call on all Nigerians to cooperate with INEC in ensuring that the governorship and House of Assembly elections are free, fair, peaceful and credible. This is what we owe the country, Africa and indeed, the world.

  • I regret my action, says Orubebe

    I regret my action, says Orubebe

    A former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe has apologized to Nigerians for his infamous act during the collation of the Presidential election results Tuesday.

    Orubebe said he sincerely regretted his action as he allowed his emotion to betray him.

    He pleaded with Niger Delta youths not to perpetrate violence because of the election of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    He explained that politics is an emotional thing and that was what happened and it is not something he would want to happen again.

    The former minister had disrupted proceeding for about 30 minutes while also accusing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega of being biased.

    Orubebe, who was one of the agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the National Collation Centre in the discharge of his duties, expressed his regrets during an interaction with newsmen at the National Collation Centre in Abuja.

    He also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his statesmanship in congratulating General Muhammadu Buhari on his victory.

    He said the President’s acceptance of defeat was the right thing to do.

    He said: ‎”Election is a passionate thing and I really regretted what took place this morning. I was unnecessarily pushed by Jega to get to that level and I did make that statement.

    “I want to apologise particularly to young Nigerians that look up to take politics as a career to say that what happened was not intended to cause them any embarrassment.

    “To Nigerians generally, I regret my actions as even an elder in the Church, and a leader, the young men expected to see a lot from me and I believe that if there was any disappointment they got from me I apologize to Nigerians and to the youths of this country.”

    A sober Orubebe asked Niger Delta youths not to take the laws into their hands on the outcome of the Presidential Election.

    He added: “We have always talked about peace in this country and remember that when there was crisis in Niger Delta, I was one of the architects that sacrificed to go the creeks to tell the militants that we need peace in this country alongside President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “Politics is a process, today it is Mr. A, tomorrow is Mr. B. That is why I am saying that we should be talking about the unity of this country. We shouldn’t be talking about sectional things; we shouldn’t be talking about religion.
    “God has a reason for bringing us together in this geographical area called Nigeria. We should live as one and if we are given responsibility to do anything, we should fair to all and treat everybody equally. But I believe that tomorrow is another day. If today is somebody else turn, tomorrow can be another person’s turn.

    “So I believe in the unity and peace of this country, I believe the young ones that are coming up will learn from us the way these things are handled. We have seen what the president did and we are also following in his footstep. So I speak to them to embrace peace, to look forward to see another great day.”

    On President Jonathan’s sportsmanship attitude, he said: “Two things are in place. The president is the president of everybody, whether he contested with Buhari or not. He has seen the results displayed everywhere and it is only one that is remaining and he has also seen that even if he wins that one the figures as presented by INEC keeps Buhari on lead. As a statesman and as a president he has done what he should do.”

    Orubebe however was not categorical on whether PDP will accept the results of the Presidential Election or not.

    He said the PDP agents had a duty to submit a report of their observations at the National Collation Centre to the headquarters of the party where leaders will make an appropriate statement.

    ‎He said: “I cannot decide, for PDP is a large family, we are sent on an errand you go and be an agent, see what is happening there and come back to report to us. We will go and report to the party and the party will take the necessary action it has to take.

    ‎”The rest is for PDP as a party to get briefing from us and make a statement. You remember what happened in Ekiti recent governorship election, the governor congratulated his opponent and the party went back and said this is what they have seen. The candidate is not the party, he is a candidate and he has acted very well as a statesman, and as the president, the father of all, for us we are agents to be here to see what transpired here and give report to them.”

  • Activist wants Orubebe prosecuted

    Activist wants Orubebe prosecuted

    Activist lawyer Morakinyo Ogele has called for the prosecution of former Niger Delta Affairs Minister Godsday Orubebe for disrupting the announcement of presidential election results.

    Orubebe held everybody present at the National Collation Centre in Abuja yesterday to ransom for about 25 minutes accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of working against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Speaking with The Nation, Ogele, who is also the coordinator of Ekiti Democratic Coalition Alliance (EDCA), said Orubebe’s show of shame portrayed Nigeria in bad light and brought the country into opprobrium.

    Ogele said Orubebe was acting a script prepared for him by his sponsors at the Aso Rock, noting that the action of the former minister shocked the whole nation and scandalised Nigerians and people all over the world watching the event on television.

    He, however, praised Jega and other INEC National Commissioners for their maturity in handling the matter “in the face of extreme provocation from anti-democratic forces.”

    The rights activist expressed his readiness to drag Orubebe to the court of law for causing tension and obstructing a valid process of announcing the result of the eagerly-awaited presidential election.

    Ogele said the prosecution of Orubebe would send a strong signal to others who might put up such undemocratic acts in future, adding that the ex-minister’s action was capable of plunging the country to anarchy.

    He explained that there were constitutionally-stipulated ways of ventilating grievances, if anybody or party is aggrieved by electoral process or result of any election rather than resorting to self-help.

    Ogele said: “Orubebe must be made to face the full wrath of the law for disrupting a peaceful process of announcement of the results of the presidential election.”

    “Nigerians should not be surprised by Orubebe’s show of shame because he is acting out a script prepared for him by his sponsors at Aso Rock, who are afraid of defeat.

    “This is somebody who has been minister in this country and many people are looking up to him as a role model, but he has disappointed many Nigerians by his reprehensible behaviour.

    “I want you to remember that the event was being watched all over the world and this has brought shame, disgrace and opprobrium to Nigeria, and it is very unfortunate that it happened when the process was nearing its completion.”

    “All Nigerians must join hands together to prevent this democracy from collapse.

    “It is very unfortunate that the PDP and its agents that benefited from a successful election conducted by Jega are now turning around to embarrass and vilify this man of integrity because the results are going against them.”

  •  I regret my action, says Orubebe

     I regret my action, says Orubebe

    Former Niger Delta Affairs Minister Elder Godsday Orubebe last night apologised for his during the release of elections results in Abuja. He regretted that he allowed his emotion to betray him.

    He pleaded with Niger Delta youths not to perpetrate violence because of the election of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    Orubebe, who held up proceedings for about 30 minutes, told reporters in Abuja: ”Election is a passionate thing and I really regret what took place this morning. I was unnecessarily pushed by Jega to get to that level.

    “I want to apologise particularly to young Nigerians that look up to take politics as a career to say that what happened was not intended to cause them any embarrassment.

    “To Nigerians generally, I regret my actions as even an elder in the church, and a leader, the young men expected to see a lot from me and I believe that if there was any disappointment they got from me I apologise to Nigerians and to the youths of this country.”

    A sober Orubebe asked Niger Delta youths not to take the laws into their hands on the outcome of the Presidential Election.

    “We have always talked about peace in this country and remember that when there was crisis in the Niger Delta, I was one of the architects that sacrificed to got the creeks to tell the militants that we need peace in this country alongside President Goodluck Jonathan.”

    On President Goodluck Jonathan’s sportsmanship attitude, he said: “Two things are in place. The president is the president of everybody. As a statesman and as a president; he has done what he should do.”

    On how the PDP will take the defeat, Orubebe said: “I cannot decide for the PDP. It  is a large family. We were sent on an errand to come back to report. We will go and report to the party and the party will take the necessary action it has to take.

    “You remember what happened in Ekiti’s  governorship election when the governor congratulated his opponent and the party went back and said this is what they have seen. The candidate is not the party, he is a candidate and he has acted very well as a statesman, and as the president, the father of all. For us, we are agents to be here to see what transpired here and give report to them.”

     

  • Buhari’s victory: Nigerians write Orubebe

  • PDP chieftain disrupts collation of presidential election results

    PDP chieftain disrupts collation of presidential election results

    Former Minister of Niger Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  on Tuesday  temporarily stalled the announcement of the final collation of the results of the presidential elections in Abuja.

    Claiming that the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega has not responded to petitions by the PDP on the results of the election in some states, Orubebe insisted that the collation will not continue.

    He accused Jega of being partial and colluding with the APC  to release results ahead of final collation.

    It took almost 15 before Orubebe was persuaded to allow the collation to continue after Jega responded to his allegations.

    The INEC Chairman denied Orubebe’s allegations stating that he has not received any petition from the PDP.

    Although he admitted that he was approached by a PDP member Bello Fadile  who wanted to submit the party’s petitions to him, Jega said he declined to accept them since the collation has commenced.

    According to Jega he directed that any petition or communication should be submitted to the commission’s Secretary who was  not at the collation centre.

     

     

     

  • Delta Primaries: Niger Delta group kicks against Orubebe’s ambition

    Delta Primaries: Niger Delta group kicks against Orubebe’s ambition

    Ahead of the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election in Delta State, a group, Eye of Niger Delta (END) has opposed former Minister of Niger Delta Godsday Orubebe’s aspiration to contest for the governorship ticket.

    Rising from an emergency meeting yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, the leader of the group, Comrade Tari Victor-Ben, said his group has sent the organization’s sensitization committee to Delta State to make their position known to the people.

    He debunked rumours that Orubebe is the anointed candidate of President Goodluck Jonathan, describing it as false information and a slap on the president’s image.

    His words: “We are compelled to issue this very important warning to the People of Delta State, given our concern as well as the interest in the development and stability of Delta State. And that concern is for Delta State delegates to look beyond Orubebe in choosing who will be the next governor of the state.

    “As you can see from our name, we are truly the eye of Niger Delta, our objectives and principles in the region are to ensure that credible candidates emerge in the entire Niger Delta states.

    “We have sent our sensitization committee to Delta State to inform the people about this. We are going to organize a protest rally on the 3rd of December together with Anti-Corruption Network, a non-governmental organization where we shall show facts, and names of corrupt Niger Delta politicians.”

  • Orubebe promises transparency in Delta

    Orubebe promises transparency in Delta

    It was a carnival in most parts of Asaba metropolis yesterday as a large crowd thronged the Oshimili South Arcade to witness the declaration of ex-Minister of Niger-Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe for  governor.

    The ex-minister is gunning for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Orubebe dressed in a black hat with embroidered flowing Ankara shirt, black trousers and shoes urged supporters to remain steadfast, vowing to emerge as governor in 2015.

    He outlined his  ten-point  economic blue print ,  ranging  from employment ,  health, infrastructure to education.

     Orubebe said he was prepared to better the lot  of Deltans if elected.

    He said he would encourage all Deltans to contribute to the development of the state whether they are in the opposition or in main stream politics.

     “Since I resigned as minister, I have been consulting, and I saw what is in the heart of the people of Delta State, I saw a fertile land that is yearning for development, to move the people to their dream land.

    “I am an agent of development in Delta to bring the dividend of democracy to the people, I am not an accidental political, I have been commissioned to be a politician, as governor I will prove purposeful leadership to the people.

    “I will encourage opposition, no voice will be silenced to encourage development, I will account for every kobo that will come from the Federation Account, I have a dream, vision for Delta State and together we can achieve it”.

    Orubebe said he would bring to bear his experience in the development of the state if  elected.

    Former Delta State governorship aspirant and ex- OMPADEC chairman, Professor Eric Opia urged support for Orubube saying ‘Orubebe has what it take to be the next governor of the state.

    The ex-minister reminisced on his role in planning for a successful Nigeria, adding that he is prepared to make more sacrifices for Delta State.

     “I am not an accidental politician. If I could plan with Presidents Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan for a successful Nigeria that we have today, if I could make sacrifice for Nigeria during militancy era and the restive youths laid down their arms, what is in Delta state that I can’t plan for?

    “Friends, I have a dream for Delta state. I am an agent of change. My dream to build low cost houses for the people, the workers, the less privileged, to marshal out action plans for the urban renewal of the state will be realized with the fear of God.

    “I will encourage opposition so that we can do things aright. No voice will be silenced. All the ethnic nationalities will be brought together under my Delta Peoples’ Forum (DPF). That is the Delta of my dream”.