Okupe says Metuh was paid N400m from party’s funds

Doyin Okupe, a former Special Assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan, and witness in the ongoing trial of National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh has told Justice Okon Abang of an Abuja Federal High Court in Abuja, that the PDP spokesman was paid N400 million from the party’s campaign fund.

Okupe told the court that, as the leader of the party, former President Jonathan issues money for the activities of the party, but could also ask a subordinate to render such assignment.

Okupe, in his testimony stated that sometime in November 2014, the leadership of the PDP was concerned about the negative perception of people towards the party, and there was as opinion that something should be done.

He said former President Jonathan had told him, during a discussion that Metuh and some consultants had some suggestions regarding the way forward for the party and called a meeting of people, including the former Senate President, David Mark, former Chairman of the party, Tony Anenih, and Peter Obi, among others.

Okupe said the PDP spokesman and his team of media consultants gave their presentation at that meeting; which was approved by former President Jonathan.

He further stated that some suggestions were made by the party, as to what would be added to the project as presented by Metuh, adding also that the former president instructed that Metuh be paid for the project with the sum of N400 million.

“Very early in the morning, I got a call from Metuh who told me that he has received N400 million from the president”, Okupe told the court and added that Jonathan had great capacity at the time; to gain response from people, which he used many times, to source for funds.

“As a candidate for an election; the president had immense capacity to response. And this was demonstrated by the amount of money the president was able to raise, during the fund raising activity in the villa.

“Yet there are people who may not necessarily show publicly their support in public; who privately give their support to the president.

“Substantial funds became available to the president, which he also made available for projects that he feels will enhance his course”, Okupe said.
Asked to comment about the bank statement where’s Metuh’s company, Destra Investment Ltd. received N400 million at about the same time from the office of the National Security Adviser (for security services as indicated by the electronic payment schedule of the bank),

Okupe said: “I don’t know anything about this. It looks strange to me. The president could have paid for the campaign activities himself”.

Responding to questions regarding the source of the money, Okupe said he is not aware about any particular source of the money, except that Metuh was paid by Jonathan and that he (Metuh) also laboured hard to source for funds for the campaign of the party.

Trial continues on May 19, 2016.

 

SEYI ANJORIN