Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has opened up about what he described as complete neglect by the party during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Abuja as part of his 60th birthday celebration, Metuh expressed deep disappointment that the PDP to which he dedicated many years failed to stand by him during his trial and imprisonment.
Metuh was earlier convicted by Justice Okon Abang and handed a seven-year jail term for allegedly laundering N400 million released from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Though the Court of Appeal eventually overturned the judgment, he spent more than 10 months in Kuje Prison. He described the conviction as one of the darkest experiences he had ever faced, noting that on the day he was sentenced, he oddly felt a sense of relief despite the gravity of the situation.
He lamented that throughout his ordeal, he neither saw the PDP nor the people he believed he had served loyally. According to him, the courtroom was often filled only with his family members.
Metuh revealed that some of the kindness he received came from unexpected quarters particularly politicians outside the PDP. He mentioned Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as one of those who showed him genuine concern, despite their history of political rivalry.
He also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while still in the opposition, sent then Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila to console him.
Metuh said experiences like rejecting a land offer from ex-Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola because he didn’t want to accept APC gifts have reshaped his political views. He concluded that his loyalty will now follow Governor Uzodimma wherever he goes politically.
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