Introduction:
In the midst of the Mambilla Power Project debacle, a saga spanning over two decades, a web of Melodrama and Manoeuvres has come to light. Tangled in delays and legal battles, the project, instead of heralding increased power generation for Nigeria, has become a focal point for criminal trials in Abuja and international arbitration in Paris, France.
The Mambilla Power Project (MPP) initially took shape during President Obasanjo’s tenure from 2003 to 2007 when a procurement contract was awarded for $16.4 billion from excess crude oil funds. Subsequent administrations under Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari attempted to address the project’s challenges but faced setbacks leading to the current arbitration turmoil. Despite the efforts of past governments, the MPP remains in limbo due to a lack of commitment and discipline, mirroring the struggles of other critical national infrastructure projects.
The Melodrama:
Recent events have thrust the MPP into the spotlight, notably with the EFCC declaring former Minister Dr. Olu Agunloye a Wanted Person in December 2023. This move, part of a broader strategy by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), aims to deflect liabilities at the arbitration by casting former officials as scapegoats. Allegations of corruption and irregularities have clouded the project’s history, with efforts to invalidate past contracts and portray key government figures as corrupt elements.
The Manoeuvres:
FGN’s manoeuvres include absolving current government officials, particularly under President Buhari’s administration, from criminalization and prosecution despite their actions leading to the arbitration proceedings. Claims of unauthorized negotiations, errors in agreements, and accusations of retroactive bribery have added layers of complexity to the legal battles surrounding the MPP. Both the FGN and individuals involved have engaged in tactical moves to shift blame, evade accountability, and navigate the intricate legal terrain.
Conclusion:
As the Mambilla Power Project saga continues to unfold, the trial involving Dr. Agunloye and others remains a focal point of contention and intrigue. With each twist and turn in the legal proceedings, the fate of the project hangs in the balance, awaiting a resolution that could shape the future of power generation in Nigeria. The intricacies of the Melodrama and Manoeuvres surrounding the MPP serve as a cautionary tale of the challenges faced in realizing critical infrastructure projects amidst political, legal, and bureaucratic hurdles.
The upcoming court ruling on the Preliminary Objection raised by Dr. Agunloye may offer a glimpse into the eventual outcome of this protracted drama. As stakeholders await the verdict, the complexities and intrigues of the Mambilla Power Project saga continue to captivate and confound observers, underscoring the intricate interplay of power, politics, and justice in Nigeria’s pursuit of critical national development initiatives.
●Oluwafisan BANKALE fnge, former Editor, Daily Sketch and Retired Diplomat
for Alpha Justice and Advocacy Group
Date: 8th May 2024
