The Presidency stated on Saturday that former President Muhammadu Buhari willingly appeared before a Paris arbitration court to testify in case number 26260/SPN/AB/CPB, driven by patriotism. Buhari testified regarding allegations of a breach in the $6 billion Mambila power project contract awarded to Sunrise Power by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003. The project has faced delays for over 20 years, with Leno Adesanya, the main figure behind it, facing anti-corruption investigations, including accusations of bribing a former minister to secure the contract.
Under Buhari’s administration, about $200 million in payments for the project were withheld, based on advice from former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, who also communicated the decision to terminate the contract in April 2020.
Reports indicate that Buhari will testify again on Sunday, January 19. Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General, convinced Buhari to appear in the case during a visit to him in Daura last week.
Contrary to claims of reluctance, Buhari’s spokesperson, Onanuga, clarified that Buhari and other prominent Nigerians involved in the case are acting out of patriotism. He also dismissed reports suggesting President Bola Tinubu forced Buhari to testify, emphasizing the proceedings are confidential and voluntary.
Onanuga reiterated that the country appreciates the efforts of those defending Nigeria in the case.
