Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his readiness to support Nigeria in legal proceedings related to the controversial Mambilla power contract. Sunrise Power, alleging a breach of a $6 billion contract by the Nigerian government, is seeking $2.3 billion in compensation through arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris.
Nigeria countered the arbitration, citing fraudulent activities and corruption in the contract award, drawing parallels with the P&ID case. The EFCC found evidence of fraud and filed charges, while Obasanjo challenges former Power Minister Olu Agunloye’s claims of authorization. NN News Media gathered.
Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general, requested information from Obasanjo after claims by Agunloye and Sunrise. Documents reveal that Agunloye sought approval from Obasanjo for negotiations with Tafag Nigeria Ltd and Sunrise for the power station construction. Obasanjo approved but requested comparisons with a coal-fired plant.
Despite Obasanjo’s directive, Agunloye later requested the recall of the approval and sought permission to issue a “letter of comfort” to Sunrise for a BOT contract. Obasanjo clarified in his response that he did not object to the letter but emphasized that it did not constitute a contract award.
Obasanjo maintained that, during his administration, no contract was awarded to Sunrise Power without proper authorization. He affirmed his commitment to assist the government in shedding light on the matter and offered to testify in arbitration or any forum in the national interest.
