Former Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe yesterday told Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) paid the sum of N400million it budgeted for campaign purposes to its spokesman, Olisa Metuh.
Dr. Okupe, the third defence witness gave the testimony at the resumed trial of the Metuh, who is standing trial for allegedly receiving the sum of N400 million from the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to fund the 2015 presidential election of the PDP.
Okupe, while testifying further stated that sometimes in November 2014, the leadership of the PDP was concerned about the negative perception of the people towards the party, and were of the opinion that something should be done.
He said 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 which was attended by the former Senate President, David Mark.
former Chairman of the party, Tony Anenih, and Peter Obi, among others.
Okupe said Metuh and his team of media consultants gave their presentation at the meeting; which was approved by Jonathan.
Okupe further told the court that after the meeting, 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 however added that Jonathan had great capacity at the time; to gain cash response from people, which he used many time to source funds.
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