Breaking: Tinubu reacts to reports connecting Buhari to ‘Paris court appearance’

DDM News

Bola Tinubu The Nigerian presidency has addressed reports alleging that former President Muhammadu Buhari was summoned to a Paris court in connection with a legal matter.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, in a statement released on Saturday night, confirmed a “private proceeding” and clarified that President Bola Tinubu had not pressured any notable Nigerians to testify for or against the country.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) earlier reports suggested that Buhari had testified in an arbitration case concerning a federal power contract dispute.

According to these reports, Buhari was allegedly summoned to appear on Saturday to answer questions about a power generation and distribution contract that was awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure in 2003.

The $6 billion project, which has faced numerous delays over the past 20 years, has involved key player Leno Adesanya, who is under investigation for alleged corruption, including bribing a former minister to secure the contract.

It was reported that Buhari was questioned for several hours on Saturday and was expected to continue his testimony on Sunday before the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration in Paris.

Additionally, reports claimed that a senior government official revealed Buhari’s initial reluctance to testify, but that Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi intervened and persuaded him to appear at his Daura residence.

However, Onanuga refuted these claims, emphasizing that the arbitration proceedings are confidential, and stressed that all individuals involved in Nigeria’s defense, including Buhari, are participating voluntarily.

The presidency’s statement noted, “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to fake news circulating on social media regarding an arbitration proceeding in Paris in which the Nigerian government is involved.

The private proceeding, which should not have been made public, remains confidential until the international arbitrators issue a decision.”

Onanuga further stated, “We categorically affirm that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not pressured anyone into testifying for or against Nigeria.

All eminent Nigerians involved in this matter are acting out of patriotism and conviction.”

In conclusion, Onanuga expressed President Tinubu’s gratitude to those defending Nigeria’s interests in the ongoing arbitration, reiterating that their participation is entirely voluntary and driven by national duty.

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