By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE PRESIDENCY has strongly refuted the allegations of coercing individuals to testify in favour of Nigeria in an ongoing $6 billion arbitration dispute in Paris, labelling them as “fake news” aimed at misinforming the public.
The social media, in the past few days, has been rife with claims accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of coercion.
The arbitration centres on the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, a $6 billion contract originally awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited in 2003 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Allegations of contractual breaches have since escalated into international arbitration proceedings.
In a statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was clarified that the arbitration process is strictly confidential and should not have been disclosed in the media.
“The private proceeding is bound by confidentiality until the international arbitrators issue their decision,” Onanuga said.
The statement also emphasised that those testifying in defence of Nigeria, including eminent figures such as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, along with former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, are doing so out of sheer patriotism and conviction.
“President Tinubu has not forced anyone to testify for or against Nigeria,” Onanuga reiterated.
The Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, envisioned as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy strategy, has faced years of delays and legal challenges.
Awarded on a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) basis, the project became the subject of disputes over compliance with contractual terms, prompting Sunrise Power to seek arbitration.
While details of the ongoing proceedings remain undisclosed, the Presidency expressed its gratitude to all Nigerians contributing to the country’s defence.
“The President and the entire nation are immensely grateful for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s interests,” the statement read.
Onanuga states that the Nigerian government continues to stress its adherence to international legal norms and confidentiality obligations, adding that further updates will only be made public after the arbitrators’ decision.
