Metuh’s trial: Doyin Okupe appears as witness

– Doyin Okupe appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja as a defense witness in the trial of the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh

–  The former special senior assistant on public affairs told the court that the former president was in charge of issuing money for various party’s assignment

– The case has been adjourned to Thursday, May 19 for continuation of trial

The special senior assistant on public affairs to former president, Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe on Wednesday, May 18, appeared before a Federal High Court in Abuja as a defense witness in the trial of the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh.

A witness testifying in the ongoing trial of spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party Olisa Metuh has told the court that Metuh was paid N400 million from the parties funds, budgeted for the exercise.

READ ALSO: Metuh’s trial adjourned over judge’s health

Testifying before Justice Okon Abang, Doyin Okupe told the court that as a leader of the party, the former president was in charge of issuing money for various party’s assignment.

Okupe said such duties are not designated to any subordinate. He also told the court that during a discussion with Jonathan, the former president had told him that due to Nigerians negative view about the PDP, and a need for a new face for the party, that Metuh and some consultants had made some suggestions to him.

He also said that the president further called for a meeting between the former Senate president, David Mark, former Chairman of the party, Tony Anenih, and Peter Obi.

He said the meeting which took place in November 2014, at the presidential villa saw presentations from Metuh and some media teams.

The presentations also got the approval of the former president, Okupe said. He said it was on this presidential approval that Jonathan instructed the payment N400 million for the project suggested by Metuh’s media team.

He added that the instruction came after the former president found some time to source for funding for the media project.

“Very early in the morning, I got a call from chief Metuh who told me that he has received N400 million from the president, as a candidate to 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,” Okupe said.

Okupe continued: “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.”

READ ALSO: Why we withdrew application on stay of trial – Metuh’s lawyer

The witness also said he is not aware of the source of the money for the media project aside that it came from the former president.

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

Having listened to the testimony, the trial judge, Okon Abang adjourned the matter to Thursday, May 19 for continuation of trial.

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