President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has denied claims that he coerced former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, along with former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, to testify in the ongoing $6 billion arbitration case over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Paris.
The arbitration case stems from allegations that Nigeria breached contractual terms with Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited regarding the Mambilla Power Project, a 3,960 MW hydroelectric project initiated during Obasanjo’s administration in 2003.
Background of the Arbitration Case
In May 2003, the Obasanjo administration awarded the Mambilla project contract to Sunrise Power on a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) basis. However, disputes arose when Obasanjo accused then-Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, of fraudulently awarding the contract without Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval.
Agunloye denied the allegations, insisting that the contract was properly awarded during Obasanjo’s administration. The dispute intensified under Buhari’s government, which decided to terminate the agreement with Sunrise Power in 2020. This led the company’s promoter, Mr. Leno Adesanya, to pursue arbitration, alleging breach of contract.
Legal and Investigative Actions
Adesanya faced allegations of bribery and economic sabotage by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which declared him wanted. However, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in his favor, compelling the EFCC to remove his name from its wanted list. An appeal against the judgment remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, Agunloye is facing prosecution by the EFCC on seven counts of corruption related to the Mambilla project.
Tinubu’s Statement on the Allegations
In response to reports suggesting he compelled prominent Nigerians to testify, Tinubu issued a statement through his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissing the claims. He emphasized that the individuals involved in Nigeria’s defense were acting voluntarily out of patriotism.
*”The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to fake news on social media about an arbitration proceeding in Paris involving the Nigerian Government.
While respecting the confidentiality of the proceedings, we categorically state that President Bola Tinubu has not forced anyone to testify for or against Nigeria. All the eminent Nigerians involved in Nigeria’s defense are doing so willingly and out of sheer patriotism and conviction.
President Tinubu and the entire country are grateful to them,”* the statement read.
Ongoing Arbitration and Confidentiality
The arbitration, which remains confidential until the panel issues its decision, highlights the complexities surrounding the Mambilla project. The project, initially envisioned as a major step toward addressing Nigeria’s power deficit, has been mired in controversy and legal disputes for over two decades.
Tinubu’s administration continues to navigate the case while expressing appreciation for those working to defend Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.