What Nigerians think of Jonathan’s N1bn ‘court appearance fee’ demand

Owhonda K. Buduziri, 23, Writer/Poet, Port Harcourt  Jonathan asking the court to have Olisah Metuh pay him a billion naira for supposed expenses accruable if he were to stand as witness, is obviously his prerogative as provided for by Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. Notwithstanding, the excuses for demanding the sum are at best […]

Owhonda K. Buduziri, 23, Writer/Poet, Port Harcourt 

Jonathan asking the court to have Olisah Metuh pay him a billion naira for supposed expenses accruable if he were to stand as witness, is obviously his prerogative as provided for by Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. Notwithstanding, the excuses for demanding the sum are at best frivolous and a calculated strategy to evade being prodded by the law and the skeletons in the cupboard being exposed, if there are any. 

Also, going by the principle of the rule of law by A.V.DICEY, which proposes that one is innocent of any crime or charges against him/her until proven otherwise by the court, Jonathan’s refusal to appear before the court, to give evidence that might exonerate Metuh of any charges against him, could ultimately lead to a miscarriage of justice against Metuh.

Audi Jamiu Ovivi, 34, Consultant, Abuja

Looking at the ex-president’s demand for N1bn deposit before appearing in court as a witness is not a forbidden request. Remember, no ex-president in the history of our country has been asked to stand as a witness on any criminal charge in the court of law.Fatima Akwuchi, 30, Lawyer, Abuja

In law, when a witness is being subpoenaed, he is known as an official witness. It does not matter if Metuh has asked him to testify for him, he is not just Metuh’s witness but an official witness and the N1bn he is requesting for is in line with the law. The state is supposed to take care of his welfare – his traveling expenses and security. The amount may seem much but it is negotiable because of the country’s economic state.

Benedict Amaechi, 20, Student, Delta State

He is not the one demanding for the fees, but his lawyer. By the way, he is not in the country, he is in South Africa. His lawyer knows that Metuh can’t pay the N1bn naira now because he is facing corruption charges. So, in clear terms, his lawyer is saying ‘look, my client can’t come to court as your witness, period’.

Okwodu Victor Chinonye, 22, Student, Owerri

The request for a billion naira from Metuh by former President Goodluck Jonathan shows he doesn’t want to appear  in court as a witness. As rightly stated by Jonathan, his appearance before the court is detrimental to his reputation. There have always been allegations by the past government rather than seeking possible measures to reconcile the political system of Nigeria. Jonathan’s bid to secure his reputation should not be completely overlooked. Metuh was arraigned on a charge bordering on money laundering for allegedly receiving the sum of N400 million, and here the ex-president is demanding a billion naira to appear in court. Are there hidden stories behind both personalities or is it pay-back time? I believe the demand is meant to discourage pressure on Jonathan to appear as a witness. 

Abdullahi Oyomeh Steve, 27, NYSC Member, Minna Niger State

The former president’s demand is a legal means to enrich himself and also an excuse not to appear in court. Knowing what is going on within the country’s corruption circle, appearing in court would entangle him publicly. If he is transparent as he claimed, defending his ‘good reputation’ should be of no cost.

Adewole Kikelomo, 32, Civil Servant, Abeokuta

If truly Metuh has a genuine reason for his request, I suggest he meets the demand of the ex-president. I think it is baseless to send a subpoena to former President Jonathan to only come and be a witness if there are no charges against him. He has the right to reject the subpoena, if not they should grant his request. 

Chukwu Chinemerem Jerry, 23, Mechanical Engineer, Enugu

Although I’m a fan of the former president but demanding N1bn to appear and testify in a court case is outrageous. He should simply turn down the offer but doing so would infer that he is involved in the fraud. N1bn for a court case of 400m is uncalled for.

Chinedu Peter, 22, Lecturer, Port Harcourt

One billion naira just for security and travel expenses? I mean, how much is the cost of airfare and security personnel, considering the country’s economic state? He should just state clearly that he doesn’t want to be involved in the case instead of making such an outrageous demand. Besides, there is no need for the money or him appearing in court since he does not have any close relationship with Metuh.