Did Buhari Face Grilling in Paris? Nigerian Presidency Reveals Details

The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed viral reports suggesting that former President Muhammadu Buhari was "forced" to testify in an arbitration proceeding in Paris concerning the contentious $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract dispute. In a swift response, Bola Tinubu's administration clarified that all Nigerians testifying in the case are doing so voluntarily and out of patriotism.

Reports circulating on social media alleged that Buhari had been summoned before the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration in Paris. The reports claimed that he was "grilled for hours" on Saturday, with testimony set to continue on Sunday, regarding allegations of breaching contract terms awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria during former President Olusegun Obasanjo's tenure.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, described the reports as "fake news."

"While respecting the confidentiality of the proceeding, we categorically state that President Bola Tinubu has not forced anyone to testify for or against Nigeria," Onanuga said. "All the eminent Nigerians involved in the country's defence are doing so willingly and out of sheer patriotism and conviction. President Tinubu and the entire country are grateful to them.ÔÇØ

The dispute stems from the Mambilla Power Project, a $6 billion contract awarded in 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company to develop one of Nigeria's largest hydropower plants. The project has faced delays, political controversies, and accusations of contract breaches, leading to arbitration proceedings in international courts.

While details of the ongoing arbitration remain confidential, the case has brought renewed scrutiny to the handling of Nigeria's critical infrastructure projects and the associated legal battles.