– Umar ruled that Orubebe’s case be handled after Saraki’s case whenever it ends which caused some murmuring among the audience
There was drama today at the code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja on Wednesday, April 20, between Orubebe’s lawyer, Larry Selekeowei, and Danladi Umar, the presiding judge.
The trial of Godsday Orubebe, former minister of Niger Delta affairs and Bukola Saraki, the Senate president were scheduled to take place today at the CCT.
When Umar arrived the court at 11:40am, he commenced by asking Orubebe’s witness to be cross-examined for 30 minutes, thereafter adjourn the case to continue Saraki’s trial. This angered Selekeowei who stood up to condemn the action of the judge adding that no trial is higher than the other.
He went ahead to say that people came from afar for the proceedings of Orubebe’s case and can’t be asked to go home without progress on the case.
“No case is higher than the other. We traveled far and wide to get here and you are asking us to go home.” We don’t want to be part of this type of thing . Umar however said that it the decision of the tribunal to state which case should go first which should not be questioned.
He asked that Orubebe’s lawyer should speak to the court with respect but Orubebe replied,
“I have every reason to respect it but we cannot be pushed aside because there is a case that is slightly higher than the other.”
Umar ruled that Orubebe’s case be handled after Saraki’s case whenever it ends which caused some murmuring among the audience.
Thereafter, Saraki took a stand at the accused box to proceed with his trial. The two defendants have been charged to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for different reasons. Orubebe has been charged with four counts on money laundering while Saraki has been charged with 13 counts of false declarations of assets while he was the governor of Kwara state.
Recall that counsel to the defence Kanu Agabi (SAN) had yesterday requested for adjournment till 12pm today to allow his team go over the evidence. This request was refused by Umar on the grounds that he cannot go back on his words.
“We are not here for one person. We are doing this on the provisions of this act. I have said it and that is final,” Umar said.