Tinubu’s Office Denies Allegations of Coercion in Mambilla Power Dispute
The presidency has issued a statement clarifying that President Bola Tinubu did not force anyone to testify in the ongoing arbitration proceedings in Paris concerning the $6 billion Mambilla power contract dispute.
Recent reports on Saturday claimed that former President Muhammadu Buhari had been compelled to appear before a Paris court to testify in the case. The arbitration, held at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris, involves a disagreement between the Nigerian government and Sunrise Power over an alleged breach of contract tied to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
The dispute stems from allegations of non-fulfillment of contract terms, with Sunrise Power seeking a resolution after years of stalled progress on the massive hydroelectric project. Former President Buhari had publicly stated in February 2024 that he had never authorized any settlement agreement with the company regarding the project.
Similarly, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has also denied granting authority to Olu Agunloye, the former Minister of Power and Steel, to enter Nigeria into the controversial $6 billion “build, operate, and transfer” contract with Sunrise Power in 2003.
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In response to the reports, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, issued a statement late Saturday emphasizing that all Nigerians involved in the arbitration are participating willingly.
Onanuga categorically stated that no individual was coerced into testifying, and reiterated that the proceedings are private and confidential. “All the eminent Nigerians involved in Nigeria’s defense are doing so willingly and out of sheer patriotism and conviction,” Onanuga said.
He also stressed that the confidentiality of the arbitration process must be respected, as it remains a private matter until the international arbitrators render their decision. The presidency reaffirmed its gratitude to those defending Nigeria’s position in the case, noting that both President Tinubu and the entire nation are appreciative of their contributions.
