Society Gists

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday pronounced former Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Orubebe, guilty of non-declaration of asset.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, delivered the judgment but gave the convict a sentence which amounted to a slap on the wrist.

“‎I hereby seize, on behalf of the federal government, the property known as plot 2057,” Umar ruled.

“The prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, and all evidence tendered are admitted.”

Justice Umar explained that the testimonies and document presented by the prosecution prove that the former minister is guilty as charged.

He further stated that while the minister claimed that the property was on rent from the Federal Government, the rejection of the claim by his former landlord to allow him exercise his right over the property rendered the power of attorney useless.

Orubebe was charged by the Code of Conduct Bureau for alleged failure to declare landed property in Kyamu and Asokoro district, both in Abuja, on assumption of office as minister on September 26, 2007.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His lawyer, Larry Izimoje‎, said after the judgment that “This is beyond travesty of justice. I can say that this is a case of whether you like it or not, I must convict you.

“That’s what played out today. Thank goodness, this is not where it ends. The court of appeal is there, so we will definitely appeal against it.”

Among the things Orubebe is known for is the meltdown he suffered during the announcement of Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the 2015 presidential election.

The 57-year-old had an outburst when it became clear that former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he represented at the collation centre, was coasting to an historic defeat.