From GODWIN TSA, Abuja
SPECIAL Assistant on Public Affairs to former president Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe, yesterday, told an Abuja Federal High Court that the N400 million paid to the National Publicity Secretary of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh was from funds budgeted for the party for campaign purpose.
Okupe, who was testifying as a witness in Metuh’s ongoing trial said as leader of the party, Jonathan issued money for the activities of the party, but could also delegate such duty to a subordinate.
He disclosed that sometime in November 2014, the leadership of the PDP was concerned about the negative perception of the party and was of the opinion that something should be done.
Okupe added that 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 party stalwarts, including the former Senate President, David Mark, former chairman of the party, Tony Anenih, and Peter Obi, among others.
Okupe told Justice Okon Abang that Metuh and his team of media consultants made their presentation which was approved by Jonathan.
He added that some suggestions were made by the party, as to what would be added to the project as presented by Metuh.
Okupe further said 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 Chief Metuh who told me that he has received N400 million from the president,” he said.
Asked about the bank statement where Mr. 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 stated source of the money, Okupe said he was not aware about any particular source of the money, except that Metuh was paid by Jonathan and that Metuh also laboured hard to source for funds for the campaign of the party.
Hearing in the case continues today.