The Presidency has refuted claims circulating on social media that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu compelled individuals to testify for or against Nigeria in an ongoing arbitration case in Paris.
The arbitration centres on a $6 billion dispute involving the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, originally awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited in 2003.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga clarified that “the case remains a private proceeding and, as such, should not have been reported in the media.”
He emphasised that all Nigerians involved in the country’s defense are doing so voluntarily out of patriotism and personal conviction.
The statement reads; “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to fake news on social media regarding an arbitration proceeding in Paris involving the Nigerian Government.
“The private proceeding, which is confidential, should not have been disclosed until the international arbitrators issue a decision.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not compelled anyone to testify either for or against Nigeria. The President and the nation are immensely grateful to all those standing in defense of the country.”
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, are in Paris to testify in defense of Nigeria.
The dispute dates back to 2003 when the administration of President Obasanjo awarded the $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project on a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) basis to Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited. Allegations of contract violations have since led to arbitration proceedings.
In adherence to the confidentiality of arbitration processes, there will be no further details until a resolution is reached.
VON