Former Nigerian Attorney-General Aondoakaa to Testify Against Government in $2.354 Billion Arbitration Case
Former Nigerian Attorney-General Aondoakaa to Testify Against Government in $2.354 Billion Arbitration Case:Former Nigerian Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Michael
Aondoakaa, has agreed to testify against the Nigerian government in an
ongoing arbitration case at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
in Paris, France. The case, filed by Sunrise Power, seeks a $2.354 billion
award for breach of contract related to a 2003 agreement to construct
a 3,050MW power plant in Mambilla, Taraba state.
Aondoakaa, who served as AGF from 2007 to 2010, will argue that the
contract was valid, contradicting the government’s claims of fraud and corruption.
His testimony is expected to counter that of government officials, including
ministers in President Buhari’s cabinet, who are testifying in favor of Nigeria.
the controversy
The case has been marred by controversy, with two former presidents,
Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, denying the validity of
the contract and settlement agreements. Obasanjo challenged the former
Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, to explain where he derived the authority
to award the contract, while Buhari denied authorizing the settlement
agreement entered into with Sunrise by his AGF, Abubakar Malami.
Sunrise Power is hoping to use Aondoakaa’s testimony to boost its chances
of winning the arbitration. The company has also filed a human rights case
against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after its promoter, Leno Adesanya, and Agunloye were charged to court.
The outcome of the arbitration case has significant implications for Nigeria,
with potential financial and reputational consequences. The government’s
handling of the case has raised questions about transparency and accountability,
with concerns about the role of corruption and fraud in the award and settlement of the contract.