Mambilla: CSOs, Legal Experts Warn FG Against International  Embarrassment

Some Civil Society Organisations and senior lawyers have asked the Federal Government to find an amicable solution to the Mambilla Hydro Power project dispute with Sunrise Power Transmission Company.

The CSOs and lawyers who spoke to Vanguard cautioned that the lingering dispute with Sunrise Power which has deprived the nation of the enormous benefits of the 3.5mw power project, is capable of plunging the country into another international embarrassment if not well managed.

The CSOs under the umbrella of United Coalition for Good Governance and Accountability, in a joint statement further warned that Nigeria may not be able to recover from the collosal damage, if the case before the international court of arbitration is decided in favour of Sunrise Power.

The statement reads: “Following the recent development where our country was subjected to huge international embarrassment by the seizure of our national assets in foreign jurisdictions due to an alleged breach of contract with a Chinese firm, we are compelled to appeal to the Federal Government to urgently ensure that same scenario does not repeat itself in the ongoing dispute between FG and Sunrise Power over the Mambilla Hydro Power project.

“Facts available to us indicate that Nigeria stands to incur huge colossal loss if the ongoing arbitration of the matter goes against the Federal Government.

“We are also aware that the Federal Government had gone into a legal binding agreement to settle the dispute out of court during the Buhari led administration, but has since reneged on the agreement by pointing out certain discrepancies which have no effect on the international court.

“We appeal to the President Bola Tinubu’s administration  to seek an alternative avenues to resolve the contract with Sunrise Power so as to unlock the potential in the power project.

“We are also aware that Sunrise power has expressed its firm optimism to execute the project and is willing to settle on fair amicable terms suitable for Nigeria’s economic development. We urge the Federal Government to look into the offer which would benefit the country.”

Legal luminaries, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN and Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, had also made similar appeal in the past to the federal government to find an amicable solution to the dispute instead of embarking on needless legal tussle.

Other stakeholders, royal fathers, power experts and even the President of China have equally advised the federal government in this light.