Obasanjo and Buhari Testify in Paris Court on $6bn Mambilla Power Contract Deal
Former Nigerian presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, have found themselves at the center of a legal storm in Paris, France, as they testify before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) regarding a $2.3 billion arbitration case filed against Nigeria by Sunrise Power. The case revolves around allegations of a breach of contract by the Nigerian federal government in connection with the $6 billion Mambilla Power Project in Taraba State.
Leaders in the Spotlight
Sources have confirmed that both Obasanjo and Buhari are currently in Paris, responding to the legal proceedings. Despite initial denials by a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, about any coercion from the Presidency to involve prominent Nigerians in the arbitration, it is clear that both former leaders are voluntarily participating in the case out of a sense of patriotism and conviction.
In a twist of events, Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, confirmed the former president’s presence in France but remained tight-lipped about the purpose of his visit. This comes on the heels of Obasanjo’s previous statement in 2023, expressing his willingness to testify before a commission of inquiry on the matter.
The Genesis of the Dispute
The legal battle between Sunrise Power and Nigeria dates back to October 2017 when Sunrise initiated arbitration proceedings against Nigeria at the ICC in Paris, seeking a hefty $2.354 billion award for an alleged breach of a 2003 contract related to the Mambilla Power Project. The intricate web of agreements and disagreements surrounding the project involves various government officials, including former Ministers of Power, Works, and Housing.
Former Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, had previously raised concerns about Sunrise Power’s involvement, labeling them a middleman in the project. Subsequent negotiations and settlements attempted to resolve the dispute, with parties agreeing to out-of-court settlements, only to find themselves back in court over new claims and demands.
Obasanjo’s Stand
In a bold move, Obasanjo has publicly challenged his former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, over the contentious contract awarded to Sunrise in 2003. The former president vehemently denied authorizing such a significant project without his explicit approval, raising questions about Agunloye’s actions and motives during his tenure.
The saga took a legal turn when the EFCC declared Agunloye wanted over allegations of fraud amounting to $6 billion in the Mambilla hydropower contract. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, Agunloye found himself behind bars awaiting the resolution of his legal woes.
As the legal battle unfolds in Paris, all eyes are on Obasanjo and Buhari as they navigate the complexities of the Mambilla Power Project deal, shedding light on the intricate web of contracts, agreements, and disputes that have ensnared Nigeria in a legal quagmire.
