The embattled former National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has dissociated himself from reports listing him among sympathisers of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). In a statement yesterday, Metuh described the reports as false, misleading and heinous.
The statement said:
“My attention has been drawn to a false and misleading report circulating in a section of the media, heinously listing my name as one of the sympathisers of the Niger Delta Avengers.
“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to this, given that I have chosen to conduct my affairs with the decency and comportment of someone involved in a well-celebrated trial and with a severe spinal problem.
“I am also not unaware of the series of false reports against my person in the last few months. However, on this occasion, I have chosen to respond, as this borders on matters affecting national security.
“Indeed, I believe this is a wicked, cruel and devillish plot to link me with such activities and at this time, especially as the claim is false.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I state that I do not have any relationship or association whatsoever, either as a sympathiser or sponsor of any militant group, including the Avengers.
“I, therefore, find it cruel that any person would attempt to associate my name with anything to do with this group or its operations and I still wonder what the motive behind this sinister plot is.
“While I restate my decision not to be drawn into any controversy at this time, it is pertinent that I reiterate that my only preoccupation now remains matters concerning my health and extant court trial as I continue to conduct my affairs with dignity and single-mindedness.
“Finally, I call on the Federal Government and security agencies to investigate and arrest Cynthia Whyte, who purportedly circulated the report, and ensure that they get to the root of this matter. This is a security issue and nobody should be allowed to play politics with it.”