Former president Buhari returns to Nigeria after defending country in $2.3bn arbitration case

DDM News

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria after representing the country in an international arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the case, which revolves around the Mambilla Hydropower Project, has put Nigeria at the center of a legal dispute that could cost the country up to $2.3 billion.

The dispute involves the Sunrise Power Transmission Company, which claims that the Nigerian government violated terms of the contract tied to the long-delayed project.

Buhari, who left office in May 2023, played a pivotal role in protecting Nigeria’s interests throughout the arbitration process.

His involvement in the case highlights his commitment to safeguarding the country’s economic and legal standing on the international stage, despite stepping down from the presidency.

The Mambilla Hydropower Project is a critical infrastructure development designed to generate 3,050 megawatts (MW) of power, a move expected to significantly improve Nigeria’s energy sector.

However, its completion has been delayed by numerous legal and regulatory challenges over the years, preventing Nigeria from reaping the full benefits of such an ambitious project.

The arbitration case, which involves claims for financial damages, is seen as a key moment for Nigeria’s energy future.

However, while Buhari’s recent actions demonstrate his commitment to the country’s interests, they also serve as a backdrop to the complex and difficult legacy of his presidency.

His involvement in resolving this dispute, though positive, stands in stark contrast to the widespread concerns about how his regime undermined the country’s democratic processes and governance.

The Hardships Under Buhari Regime

Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure as president of Nigeria was marked by multiple challenges and contradictions, many of which left an indelible mark on the country’s democracy.

Despite his initial promises to fight corruption, improve security, and transform the economy, his time in office was marred by increasing authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and the erosion of democratic institutions.

One of the most significant issues during Buhari’s presidency was his heavy-handed approach to governance.

Although he initially gained popular support by positioning himself as an anti-corruption crusader, his administration was often criticized for its inability to address Nigeria’s deep-rooted problems effectively.

His government’s approach to dissent, especially from opposition parties and civil society groups, was at times repressive.

The use of force and the silencing of critics became increasingly common, and the government’s willingness to infringe on citizens’ freedoms became a hallmark of his time in office.

His regime was also marked by growing ethnic and religious divisions.

Critics accused Buhari of favoring certain groups over others, which led to widespread accusations of nepotism and favoritism.

This perception of bias led to increased tensions in a country already grappling with ethnic and religious conflicts.

The failure of his administration to foster national unity contributed to Nigeria’s struggles to build a truly democratic and inclusive society.

Buhari’s administration also saw a rise in insecurity across Nigeria.

The president’s promises to tackle insurgency and terrorism fell short as the country continued to face the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, as well as growing banditry and kidnappings in the northwest and central regions.

The government’s handling of these security issues, particularly the military’s approach to the crisis, further tarnished Buhari’s legacy.

In many instances, the use of excessive force by security agencies under his watch led to widespread violations of human rights, exacerbating public distrust in the government.

A Legacy of Economic Struggles

Buhari’s presidency also coincided with a period of economic hardship for millions of Nigerians.

The country’s economy was deeply affected by a combination of factors, including a global oil price crash, mismanagement of resources, and an overreliance on oil exports.

While Buhari had campaigned on promises of economic diversification, his administration struggled to implement lasting solutions that would significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependency on oil.

Under Buhari, the Nigerian economy faced stagnation and inflation.

Unemployment rates skyrocketed, and the standard of living for many Nigerians declined sharply.

Despite efforts to improve infrastructure, such as the ongoing Mambilla Hydropower Project, economic recovery remained slow and uneven.

The persistence of poverty, coupled with rising inflation, made it difficult for many Nigerians to feel the benefits of his economic policies.

Moreover, Buhari’s decision to increase borrowing to fund infrastructure projects, such as roads and power plants, added to the country’s mounting debt burden.

Critics argued that while these projects could potentially yield long-term benefits, they were also a source of financial strain, particularly in the face of a sluggish economy.

The Fight for Democracy

While Buhari may have focused on key infrastructure projects like the Mambilla Hydropower Project, his government’s actions in other areas cast a shadow over Nigeria’s democratic progress.

His administration frequently clashed with civil society organizations, media outlets, and political opponents who accused him of undermining Nigeria’s democratic values.

In a troubling trend, Buhari’s government increased its surveillance of journalists and activists, and several reports indicated the harassment of political opponents and critics.

The tightening of control over the media and the suppression of free speech were particularly concerning in a country that had previously made strides in opening up political discourse.

Buhari’s disregard for the rule of law and his frequent disregard for judicial rulings also raised alarm about the state of democracy in Nigeria.

Buhari’s presidency was also marked by the failure to ensure free and fair elections.

In the 2019 presidential election, the opposition and many Nigerians accused the government of attempting to rig the polls, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

The lack of trust in the electoral system and the government’s failure to address allegations of electoral fraud further damaged the democratic institutions that Nigerians had fought hard to build.

As Buhari returns to Nigeria following his involvement in the arbitration case over the Mambilla Hydropower Project, his legacy remains a subject of intense debate.

On one hand, his participation in the case highlights his ongoing commitment to representing Nigeria’s interests in the international arena.

The resolution of this arbitration could potentially benefit the country by avoiding substantial financial penalties and reviving a key infrastructure project that is vital for Nigeria’s energy future.

On the other hand, Buhari’s return also reminds Nigerians of the challenges faced during his presidency.

The erosion of democratic principles, the worsening security situation, and the economic hardships that many Nigerians experienced during his time in office are still fresh in the minds of citizens.

Buhari’s actions in Paris may have helped resolve one of the country’s pressing legal disputes, but they do little to address the larger issues that continue to plague Nigeria’s democracy and governance.

The outcome of the arbitration case is expected to have a significant impact on the future of Nigeria’s energy sector and infrastructure development.

However, the long-term consequences of Buhari’s presidency, marked by authoritarianism, insecurity, and economic stagnation, will likely continue to shape Nigeria for years to come.

Whether Nigeria can recover and move forward from the hardships of Buhari’s era remains to be seen, but his recent actions suggest that the former president may still play a role in shaping the nation’s future—whether in a positive or negative light.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook