Edo people have watched the unwarranted and provoking tirades unleashed on the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Orubebe over what he terms ‘criticisms of Goodluck Jonathan’s administration’.
One is not surprised at the gutter language deployed by Orubebe against Comrade Oshiomhole because Orubebe was one of those who ruined Goodluck Jonathan. He was one of those, who for selfish and pecuniary reasons, nudged Jonathan into perdition. He was the arrow head of the clan that deceived Jonathan into squandering the wealth of the nation in six harrowing years.
Nigerians have not forgotten that Orubebe was among those who made Goodluck Jonathan to preside over the most corrupt regime Nigeria ever had. It is on record that the 7th House of Representatives ordered an investigation into a “multi-billion naria” mansion said to belong to Mr. Godsday Orubebe. The property, located at Mabushi in the Federal Capital Territory, was said to have been built for the former minister by a construction firm, SETRACO.
The House committees on Anti-Corruption, Drugs/Narcotics/Financial Crimes and Justice were directed to conduct the investigation within 21 days and produce a report on a motion sponsored by Mr. Odeneye Kehinde. We did not get to know how the investigation went, but this is the time to revisit that probe and the 8th House of Reps needs to follow up and ensure that the truth of the ownership of the multi-billionaire property is unearthed and let the laws take its course on Orubebe. Is it not a shame that Orubebe as Minister of Niger Delta could not construct the East West road that is so dear to the people of Niger Delta. Orubebe also folded his hands, milking the nation to death, while the UNEP report on Ogoni land rot in the shelves of the PDP. The APC government of Muhammadu Buhari, powered by sagacious Comrade Oshiomhole has dusted the files of the UNEP report and has acted on it. Ogoni people are today happy that a Daniel has come to judgment in their plight.
It is still very fresh in the memories of Nigerians that Godsday Orubebe, caused a stir when he hurled barrage of accusations at the INEC Chairman, alleging that Jega was doing a disservice to the nation by being partisan in a bid to ensure PDP loses in the presidential election at the national collation centre of the presidential election result. Orubebe, who served as the agent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), held Attahiru Jega, to ransom for several minutes, saying he would not allow collation and announcement of results to go ahead until his party’s grievances are attended to.
Expectedly, his shameful and disgraceful action saw former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba describing the former minister’s action as a ‘big disgrace’. On his part, Festus Keyamo who also condemned the show of shame said Orubebe’s action was capable of plunging Nigeria into a civil war. Keyamo then likened the action to what happened in Cote d’ivoire when agents of a former president Laurent Gbagbo tore the election result, an action which plunged the country into a civil war.
Not able to bear the barrage of criticisms that trailed his foolish outing in INEC office, Godsday Orubebe kissed the dust as he apologized to Nigerians for his infamous act during the collation of the Presidential election results. Orubebe said he sincerely regretted his action as he allowed his emotion to betray him. He then explained that politics is an emotional thing and that was what happened and it is not something he would want to happen again.
Surprisingly, Orubebe is back again with the same emotions against the person of Adams Oshiomhole. Why can a man of his age and political exposure not be in control of his emotions?
Orubebe allows himself to be carried away with sectional politics that is why he ensured that Only few Ijaws benefitted from the Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency. While in the kitchen cabinet of Jonathan, Orubebe and his ilk blindfolded Jonathan to making him believe that Niger Delta Presidency was the sole property of the Ijaw ethnic nationality. He busied himself amassing wealth to the detriment of the beleaguered people of the region. They led him to fail woefully in government.
When Jonathan and Orubebe were dislodged from office what were their hand over notes? Insecurity, massive corruption, poor electricity, long queues at petrol stations with prices beyond the reach of most car users. There was pain, hunger, poverty and disease everywhere. But with barely three months of a well focused APC federal Government, these are being reversed. Nigerians can now drive into petrol stations and buy petrol at approved pump price and the refineries are working again, electricity supply has improved considerably, other thieves that served alongside Orubebe in the Jonathan’s administration are returning their stolen moneys in the heat of the war against stealing of public funds. Many more developments have happened as the change agenda takes seat in Nigeria.
Orubebe needs to turn himself in for prosecution before the hammer of Damocles would descend ruthlessly on him. Oshiomhole did not cause the problem of Orubebe. A man who willingly pokes his hands into a free hole, must not shout if a python attacks his fingers.
Orubebe is clearly out of his mind as it happened in INEC office and given his antecedent, he is sure to regret again. He is used to goofing and apologizing, we expect him to come back to his senses and apologize to Oshiomhole again.
Orubebe should know that Oshiomhole is not a bootlicker like himself because when a man starts weeping more than the bereaved, you know that something is underneath. Nobody appointed Orubebe as Jonathan’s spine doctor. Jonathan, a PhD holder can respond for himself if he is attacked by anybody. Jonathan brought ant-infested faggots to the house and Orubebe cannot now complain for him when he is visited by lizards.
Orubebe and his PDP co-travelers must know that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is at liberty to relate with any president in so far his relationship is in the overall interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. Oshiomhole has demonstrated his commitment for a better society in Edo State and this commitment needs be up scaled to the national level and that is what Orubebe is experiencing. Nigeria needs people like Oshiomhole to take the nation away from the woods that the likes of Orubebe plunged it.
• Mr. Dan Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Edo State.
