Metuh’s health: Reps ask Malami to intervene

By Joshua Egbodo
Abuja

House of Representatives has urged the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, to look into the reported poor health status of former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Olisa Metuh, with a view to ensuring that he was treated, “so he can properly stand trial.”
Metuh, who, Monday, dramatically appeared in court on a hospital stretcher, has been facing trial on some charges of alleged diversion of N400 million from the office of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.
In passing the resolution yesterday over a motion moved under matters of urgent public importance, by Hon. Chris Azubogu, the House has mandated its Committees on Justice, and Human Rights to follow up, and report back to within two weeks.
Azubogu had, in arguing the motion which he titled “The Urgent Need To Save The Life Of Chief Olisa Metuh,” said the life of Metuh, who is one of his constituents was “under grave danger but presently, he facing trial on charges of money laundering, an offense if convicted does not prescribe death penalty,” adding that his health started in the hands of the EFCC, leading to his collapse in court in the past.
He said granted that he was under trial, but he is yet to eat convicted.
“Further denial for him to receive appropriate medical attention overseas could cause him his life or permanent paralysis since presently, he is bed ridden,” he said.
His argument was, however, punctured by a point of order by Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Emmanuel Orker-Jev, who argued that debating the matter on the floor of the House is subjudice, since Metuh was facing trial on charges that have not decided by the court.
While Hon. Olabode Ayorinde called for caution, and expressed opposition on the motion too, Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Chuka Onyema in his contribution said the prayer of the motion was more of an appeal, and not in any way an attempt to interfere with the court processes. The motion was subsequently passed with majority voice votes.

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