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.
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.”
“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: “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.”
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