Metuh Issues First Statement Since Release From Prison

The embattled National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has issued his first public statement since his release from the Kuje prison on Thursday. Metuh who is currently standing trial for alleged corruption was freed on bail after over three weeks in detention.

He made the statement on Friday at a meeting of the party’s Publicity Directorate with some visiting parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, led by Mark Field, Member of Parliament and Chairman of International Office of the Conservative Party, and Colin Bloom, Director of Outreach-BCP in Abuja.

In his statement, Metuh said the PDP has since overcome the initial trauma that accompanied the electoral setback of the 2015 general elections, and is now poised to regain power at the center in 2019. He stated that the recent variance of voices from members is as a result of the party’s foundation of liberal democracy, which he described as a mark of strength, adding that the party has adequate internal mechanisms to resolve all issues within its fold.

According to him, the PDP faced serious challenges soon after it lost in the elections, culminating in the resignation of its National Chairman, a development that created some challenges within the party, but assured that every issue would be resolved by the party leadership by next week.

In his remark, Mr. Field advised the party to ensure that it does not trash its brand in the face of challenges. He noted that while it is common for some party members to demand the removal of leaders after electoral defeat, care must be taken not to jeopardize institutional memory in the party.