The Presidency has refuted claims that former President Muhammadu Buhari or any Nigerian was compelled to testify in an arbitration case concerning the $6 billion Mambilla power project dispute.
An online platform had reported on Saturday evening that Buhari was summoned to testify in the case, currently ongoing in Paris.
However, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the report as false while acknowledging the existence of the arbitration proceedings.
In a statement, Onanuga clarified, “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to fake news circulating on social media about an arbitration proceeding in Paris involving the Nigerian government.
“The private proceeding, which remains confidential, should not have been reported in the media. Until the international arbitrators reach a decision, the details of the case are strictly confidential.”
He further stressed that no individual had been forced to testify. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not compelled anyone to testify for or against Nigeria in the matter. All eminent Nigerians involved in the country’s defence are doing so voluntarily, driven by patriotism and conviction. The President and the entire nation deeply appreciate their efforts.”
The Mambilla power project dispute remains a significant legal matter, with Nigeria defending its interests in the ongoing proceedings.
