Allow Olisa Metuh to travel abroad for Medical Care, Reps Tell Justice Okon Abang

The House of Representatives has appealed to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), to wade into the ongoing trial of former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, by allowing him to go abroad for medical care.

Metuh is on trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly laundering the sum of N400million during the 2015 general elections.

He allegedly used his company to receive the money from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

On Monday, Metu was brought before a Federal High Court, Abuja in an ambulance and taken to the courtroom on a stretcher.  He was clad in a white cloth.

At the House plenary on Monday, Hon. Emeka Azubogu drew the Lower Chamber’s attention to Metuh’s ordeal under a motion of “matters of urgent national importance.”

Hon. Azubogu, who represents Nnewi North and Nnewi South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, in the motion entitled: “On the Urgent need to Save the Life of Chief Olisa Metuh”, said that his health condition was worrisome.

He said that in spite of Metuh’s poor health, the court had consistently denied him the opportunity to seek treatment overseas.

Azubogu said: “The life of Olisa Metuh, who happens to be my constituent, is under grave danger, he is on trial but not yet convicted and his health is deteriorating.

“Any further denial of his bid to receive appropriate medical attention overseas could cause him his life or permanent paralysis since he is now bedridden,” he said.

The Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Emmanuel Oker-Jev, opposed the motion and argued that Order 9(1)5 of the House Rules forbids it from dabbling into any matter pending before the court.

He said that if Metuh was not satisfied with the decision of the Federal High Court on his quest to go abroad  for medical care, “he should approach a higher court and not come to parliament” for help.

Hon. Edward Pwajok said that the House cannot compel the court to take any decision, “in the interest of human rights, we can urge the Attorney-General” as the chief law officer of the country to intervene.

The suggestion was endorsed by the lawmakers present at the sitting.