President Tinubu Denies Allegations of Coercing Testimony in Arbitration Case

Babatunji Wusu –

• President Bola Tinubu has denied reports suggesting he forced former President Muhammadu Buhari to testify in a court arbitration case in Paris.
• Buhari was reportedly summoned in a dispute concerning a 2003 power generation contract awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company.
• Tinubu’s administration has distanced itself from claims that the president approved or coerced Buhari’s court appearance.
• A statement from the president’s office emphasized that all individuals involved in defending Nigeria’s interests are doing so willingly.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejected claims that he compelled anyone, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, to testify for or against Nigeria in an ongoing arbitration case in Paris. According to reports, Buhari appeared in court to testify regarding a dispute over a power generation and distribution contract originally awarded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company.

Buhari’s testimony, which began on Saturday and continued through Sunday, was part of an arbitration process under the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration. The case, numbered 26260/SPN/AB/CPB, centers on allegations of a breach of contract.

A top official within the administration reportedly stated that Buhari was hesitant to testify and that Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi had to personally visit him in Daura to encourage his participation. However, the report also suggested that President Tinubu had approved the decision to involve Buhari in the court proceedings.

In response to these claims, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, issued a statement clarifying the president’s stance. He emphasized that the arbitration proceedings were confidential and that President Tinubu had not forced anyone to testify. The statement further affirmed that all individuals involved in Nigeria’s defense were participating out of patriotism and conviction, expressing gratitude on behalf of the president and the nation.