Senator, Orubebe clash over Delta APC reconciliation
Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Godsday Orubebe, has criticised Senator Peter Nwaoboshi over his recent comments discrediting the efforts of the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Delta APC reconciliation committee.
Orubebe, fielding questions from journalists in Warri, on Thursday, described Nwaoboshi’s stance as “unfortunate” and lacking in merit.
Nwaoboshi, also an APC chieftain in the state, had faulted the recommendations of the party’s reconciliation committee in the state, citing tendencies that he believed would deepen divisions rather than resolve the differences among party leaders.
“The reconciliation committee, instead of uniting the party, has further polarised it,” Nwaoboshi had stated while speaking with a team of newsmen at his country home in Ibusa.
He said, “As someone with a long history in politics, I know the importance of adhering to party constitutions.
Unfortunately, the committee is proposing leadership structures that are not recognised by our party’s constitution, which is a recipe for chaos.”
He urged the APC leadership to “focus on genuine reconciliation and adherence to the party’s constitution,” adding that “Delta APC needs unity and strategic leadership, not unconstitutional proposals that serve personal interests.”
He specifically cited the proposal to establish a leadership council at all levels of the party as unconstitutional, arguing that the APC already had elected executives at the state, senatorial, local government, ward, and unit levels.
He warned that “creating an extra organ outside the provisions of the constitution will only create more crises.”.
Orubebe, reacting to questions regarding Nwaoboshi’s position, expressed disappointment, stressing that “Nwaoboshi, as a member of the reconciliation committee, failed to actively participate in its activities, including meetings and consultations.”
He added, “Ordinarily, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has no moral right to comment on the committee’s report.
“He was a member of the committee but never attended any of the meetings or visitations.
“To ensure inclusivity, we even visited him in his home, but he remained nonchalant,” Orubebe said.
The former minister lauded the reconciliatory work, highlighting its innovative approach to resolving the lingering crisis within Delta APC.
He commended the committee for proposing “actionable solutions” to strengthen the party by recognising leadership structures at the unit, ward, local government, and state levels.
“This is the very first time a committee has boldly provided actionable ideas to move Delta APC forward.
“When the constitution fails to resolve crises, conventions are used as solutions. This has worked at international levels and in other parts of Nigeria. Senator Nwaoboshi’s position is not only wrong but also uninformed,” Orubebe added.
He said the reconciliation process aimed to address past shortcomings and chart a strategic course for future elections.
“Politics is about managing people and their interests. You can’t do it alone. You must work toward the common interest of the people, and that is the strength of the Emerhor-led committee’s report. It positions the party to face future battles,” Orubebe noted.
