Highland Reporters

01/02/2022

PRESS RELEASE
MURIC ACCUSES TARABA GOV OF RELIGIOUS CLEANSING

An Islamic human rights organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has accused the governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, of carrying out intensive religious cleansing against Muslims in the state.

The allegation was contained in a press statement issued on Tuesday, 1st February, 2022 by the director of the human rights organisation, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

The group said :

“We have credible information that Muslims in Taraba State have been facing persecution in the hands of Governor Darius Ishaku since his assumption of office six years ago. It has been a long story of articulated marginalisation in appointments and acrobatic neglect in other benefits.

“The list of persecutions is endless. Darius has embarked on religious cleansing in all segments of the state’s civil service, agencies and institutions. For example, all the twelve permanent secretaries appointed two months ago are Christians.

“The issue is not their faith. What we are interrogating is the criteria the governor used. The appointments lack merit because all the Muslims on levels 17 and 16 who should have been made permanent secretaries were by-passed while Christians under them who are on level 14 were picked. Governor Darius Ishaku deserves an international award in gymnastic religiousity.

“Darius must be asked what happened to laid down procedure? What is the cause of absence of due process under the Christian governor of Taraba State? Why have Muslims become second class citizens under Ishaku? Is Taraba governor building a composite yet united citizenry? Is Darius conscious of the fact that he is preparing grounds for religious crisis in the state?

“Religious cleansing of unimaginable proportion is going on right now in Taraba as Muslim staff are being purged from their posts under the watchful eyes and ardent supervision of Darius Ishaku. Muslims in Taraba State have become endangered species. There is no job security or job satisfaction for them.

“Can Darius explain why the head of service, the secretary to the state government and the chief of staff are all Christians in a state where the governor is already a Christian but the population is predominantly Muslim? Is the governor aware that he is indirectly paving the way for the emergence of religious politics?

“Or does Governor Darius think the majority Muslim population does not know how to use its larger number as a game changer in the political architecture of the state? Perhaps a trial will convince Darius when ‘the come comes to become’. Politics is a game of numbers. We have no iota of doubt that this governor assumes that his tortuous policy of religious cleansing, oppression and persecution of Muslims will last forever. But we know that Taraba Muslims are no fools.


“The crimes of Darius against Taraba Muslims are being recorded. He appointed a Christian as registrar for Taraba State University without regard for the rules. He got a Christian bursar for the same university from the ministry after ignoring several qualified Muslim staff. Darius we hail thee. But there must be a day of reckoning.

“The most senior person who qualified for the post of auditor general of the state was bypassed because he is a Muslim while a Christian who had little or no experience was picked. What manner of criterion is this? Darius is sacrificing merit on the altar of mediocrity.

“Darius has also embarked on a project specifically designed to eliminate the most enduring heritage of Islam by refusing to appoint more Qadis (Shariah court judges) since the death of the Grand Qadi of Taraba State thereby rendering the Taraba State Sharia Court of Appeal redundant. The smart Alec knows fully well that the only two Qadis on ground cannot form a quorum.

“It was when the oppression reached a crescendo that Taraba Muslims addressed a press conference last Friday, 21st January, 2022. (https://apexnewsexclusive.com/appointments-others-taraba-muslims-council-knocks-governor-ishaku-over-marginalization/; https://www.nigerianewspapersonline.net/news/taraba-muslim-council-decries-marginalisation-by-governor-ishaku/).

“The press conference held by Taraba Muslims last week shows that Muslims in the state have started mobilising themselves and Darius will soon know that he has been too clever by half. He has since been running from pillar to post. This explains why the governor dispatched the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to hold an emergency meeting with Taraba Muslims on Saturday, 22nd January, 2022. Here is indubitable evidence that Darius is jittery. Like the Shakespearian Macbeth, Darius has murdered sleep and he shall sleep no more. Arranging a meeting with Muslim leaders within 24 hours of their press conference is a manifestation of alarm.

“But why start what you cannot finish in the first place? Why start a campaign of religious cleansing, marginalization and oppression against Taraba Muslims when you know in your mind of minds that your victims are in the majority and that they can bite when they choose to, particularly if you stick your finger in their throats? Well, the sleeping giant has been aroused from its sleep.

“We advise Governor Darius Ishaku to retrace his steps with immediate effect. He should engage in genuine dialogue with his Muslim subjects. There must be a revision of all appointments made in the state. Muslim workers sacked by Darius must be recalled. The use of thugs to attack Muslim leaders must stop forthwith or Muslims in the state will be forced to react.

“We also call on the Taraba State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership to pay attention to the various encroachments of the state governor on labour laws. Religious cleansing of Taraba State labour force is an infringement on Allah-given fundamental human rights of Muslim workers in the state.

“Muslims in the Taraba State workforce are being summarily and arbitrarily dismissed by this regime. They are being discriminated against in employment opportunities. They are deprived of job security. This is a contravention of Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under right to freedom from discrimination. We demand protection for Taraba Muslim workers. Those sacked should be reinstated.

“To our Muslim bretheren in Taraba State who are facing inhuman treatment, humiliation and intimidation, MURIC has this strong message for you. You are not alone. We are with you in this struggle. We feel your pain. Be strong and steadfast in faith. Endure in patience. Remain calm and law abiding. This Babylon built by Darius will fall. Fir’awn (Pharaoh) will cease to be in power. Remember Allah’s words to Muslims facing persecution : ‘Do not be sad and do not lose hope. You shall be victorious if you are believers’ (Glorious Qur’an 3:139)

“Your duty is to ensure that another Fir’awn does not succeed Darius Ishaku. Although MURIC will not object to Christians being in power, we assert clearly, unambiguously and unequivocally that Muslim haters have no moral right sitting in governance over majority Muslim populations.

“However, it is the duty of the majority Muslim population to ease out Muslim haters from seats of power using constitutional and democratic means only. MURIC reiterates its aversion to the use of violence in all its ramifications. That is why our motto is ‘Dialogue, No Violence’.

“Therefore, what Muslim populations should do is to register en masse in readiness for the next election. Get your PVC. That is your power as citizens in a democratic environment. Vote out your oppressors. In the case of Governor Darius who is already in his second term, stop cooperating with him or his government officials and make it clear that the romance is over. Boycott his programmes. He is using you to create a false façade of religious harmony.

“As for Governor Darius Ishaku, MURIC has a word for you. The Bible says, ‘He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God’ (2 Samuel 23:3-4). But can you, in good conscience, beat your chest and affirm that you have been fair to your Muslim citizens who are in the majority in your state?

“Again the same Bible says, ‘It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, for a throne is established on righteousness’ (Proverbs 16:12). Is it not an act of wickedness to subject Muslim workers to economic hardship by sacking them and by depriving them of rightful appointments? The battle line is drawn. We will soon know who blinks first.”

From Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo

06/01/2022

MASS ABDUCTION OF TRAVELERS IN TARABA STATE.

A yet to be ascertained number of travelers have been abducted by gunmen along Jamtari and Gayam road in Gashaka LGA of Taraba State.

Sources from those who scape among the travelers, disclose that the Gun-wielding men believe to be kidnappers were numbered almost 40.

They intercepted many travelers and motorists most of them coming from the Mambilla plateau and whisked them forcefully into the faraway forest to an unknown destination.

Another report from the scene revealed that three (3) passengers were killed at the spot for resisting abductions.
Women and children are among the abducted victims who mostly are people from the mambilla plateau returning to their places of work after the end of year holiday.

The incident which happened around 2:PM was just a distance away from the military checkpoint in-between Jamtari -Gayam.

Efforts to get the Taraba State Police command's reaction were not successful as the public relations officer was not reachable.

No contact has been established as of the time of filing this report.

The broad daylight abduction seems to confirm fears that bandits being
bombed by the military are relocating to Taraba State for a safe heaven.

05/01/2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPOINTS BOARD AND MANAGEMENT OF NNPC LIMITED

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed the Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in accordance with the power vested in him under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
Chairman of the Board is Senator Margret Chuba Okadigbo (South East), Mele Kolo Kyari, Chief Executive Officer, and Umar I. Ajiya, Chief Financial Officer.
Other Board Members are; Dr Tajudeen Umar (North East), Mrs Lami O. Ahmed (North Central), Mallam Mohammed Lawal (North West), Engr. Henry Obih (South East), Barrister Constance Harry Marshal (South South), and Chief Pius Akinyelure(South West).
The appointments take effect from the date of the incorporation of the NNPC Limited.
Also appointed are Executive Commissioners of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. They are: Dr Nuhu Habib (Kano), Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, Dr Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu (Imo), Executive Commissioner, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning, Capt. Tonlagha Roland John (Delta), Executive Commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, and Jide Adeola (Kogi), Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services and Administration.
Earlier appointed are the Board Chairman, CEO, Executive Commissioner, Exploration and Acreage Management, and Executive Commissioner, Finance and Accounts.
New appointees at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority are Francis Alabo Ogaree (Rivers), Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing, Mustapha Lamorde (Adamawa), Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Mansur Kuliya (Kano), Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, Bashir Sadiq (Sokoto), Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration, and Dr Zainab Gobir (Kwara), Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning.
They join the Board Chairman, Executive Director, Downstream Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, the CEO, and Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, who had earlier been appointed.
For Midstream and Downstream Infrastructure Fund, new Council Members are; Mr Effiong Abia (Akwa Ibom), Bobboi Ahmed (Adamawa), and Engr. Abdullahi Bukar (Katsina).
It will be recalled that President Buhari had last September written the Senate on the administrative structure amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act, which included appointment of Non-Executive Board Members, removal of the Ministries of Petroleum and Finance from the Board of the two new institutions, and appointment of Executive Directors.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
January 5, 2022

31/12/2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI SIGNS N17.127 TRILLION 2022 BUDGET INTO LAW, DIRECTS MDAS TO COMMENCE EARLY PREPARATION OF 2023 TRANSITION BUDGET

v EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER WORRISOME CHANGES TO 2022 BUDGET BY NASS

v TO SUBMIT AMENDMENT BILL EARLY 2022

In keeping with the tradition of restoring a predictable January to December fiscal year, as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja signed into law the 2022 Appropriation Bill and the 2021 Finance Bill.

The President signed the documents in the Presidential Villa in the presence of Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other members of the Federal Executive Council.

Speaking at the event, the President said the 2022 Budget, just signed into law, provides for aggregate expenditures of N17.127 trillion, an increase of N735.85 billion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N16.391 trillion.

The President explained that N186.53 billion of the increase however came from additional critical expenditures that he had authorised the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to forward to the National Assembly.

‘‘The Minister will provide the public with the details of the budget as passed by the National Assembly, and signed into law by me,’’ he said.

The President announced that as the 2023 Budget is going to be a transition budget, work will start in earnest to ensure early submission of the 2023-2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper as well as the 2023 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.

He, therefore, directed Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to cooperate with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, more specifically with the Budget Office of the Federation, to realise this very important objective.

President Buhari also expressed strong reservations on the ‘‘worrisome changes’’ made by the National Assembly to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

He announced that he would revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment as soon as the Assembly resumes to ensure that critical ongoing projects cardinal to this administration do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.

The President recounted that during the presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Bill, he had stated that the fiscal year 2022 would be very crucial in his administration’s efforts to complete and put to use critical agenda projects, as well as improve the general living conditions of our people.

‘‘It is in this regard that I must express my reservations about many of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

‘‘Some of the worrisome changes are as follows:

‘‘Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive;

‘‘Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation;

‘‘Reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively.

‘‘This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances;

‘‘Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some MDAs, while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification;

‘‘Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion.’’

President Buhari also expressed concern in the reductions in provisions for some critical projects, including N12.6 billion in the Ministry of Transport’s budget for the ongoing Rail Modernisation projects; N25.8 billion from Power Sector Reform Programme under the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning; N14.5 billion from several projects of the Ministry of Agriculture, and introducing over 1,500 new projects into the budgets of this Ministry and its agencies.

Further, the President also expressed his reservations on the following:

‘‘Inclusion of new provisions totaling N36.59 billion for National Assembly’s projects in the Service Wide Vote which negates the principles of separation of Powers and financial autonomy of the Legislative arm of government.

‘‘The changes to the original Executive proposal are in the form of new insertions, outright removals, reductions and/or increases in the amounts allocated to projects.

‘‘Provisions made for as many as 10,733 projects were reduced while 6,576 new projects were introduced into the budget by the National Assembly.

‘‘Reduction in the provisions for many strategic capital projects to introduce ‘Empowerment’ projects.

‘‘The cuts in the provisions for several of these projects by the National Assembly may render the projects unimplementable or set back their completion, especially some of this Administration’s strategic capital projects.

‘‘Most of the projects inserted relate to matters that are basically the responsibilities of State and Local Governments, and do not appear to have been properly conceptualised, designed and costed.

‘‘Many more projects have been added to the budgets of some MDAs with no consideration for the institutional capacity to execute the additional projects and/or for the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.’’

President Buhari declared that it was surprising that despite the National Assembly increasing projected revenue by N609.27 billion, the additional Executive request of N186.53 billion for critical expenditure items could not be accommodated without increasing the deficit, while the sum of N550.59 billion from the projected incremental revenues was allocated at the discretion of National Assembly.

‘‘I signed the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law to enable its implementation to commence on 1st January 2022.

‘‘However, I will revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment and/or virement as soon as the Assembly resumes to ensure that critical ongoing projects that are cardinal to this administration, and those nearing completion, do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.’’

On COVID-19 and budget implementation, the President said despite the lingering adverse effects of the pandemic, he was happy with the success recorded in the implementation of the 2021 Budget.

‘‘The sum of N3.94 trillion that was provided for the implementation of capital projects by MDAs during the fiscal year has been released fully.

‘‘To enable MDAs to complete the implementation of their 2021 capital projects and optimise the impact of the capital budget on the economy, they have been allowed to continue to expend the funds released for their 2021 capital budgets till 31st March, 2022,’’ he said.

The President commended the understanding and speedy action of the National Assembly on this matter.

‘‘As the 2022 Budget will be the last full year budget to be implemented by our Administration, its effective implementation is very critical for delivering our legacy projects, promoting social inclusion and strengthening the resilience of the economy.

‘‘The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning will implement all measures required to ensure timely and targeted release of capital votes.

‘‘All MDAs are to effect early commencement of project implementation, while ensuring productive use of funds provided for achievement of the objectives set for their sectors.

‘‘Considering the incidence of new COVID-19 variants globally, we will ensure timely implementation of measures provided for in the 2022 Budget to contain the spread of the virus and protect our people.

‘‘We continue to count on the collaboration of the State governments in our effort to protect the lives and livelihood of our people.’’

To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2022 Budget, President Buhari pledged that the Federal Government would further intensify revenue mobilisation efforts.

He expressed optimism in the ability of the Government to finance the budget considering the positive global oil market outlook and the continuing improvement in non-oil revenues.

‘‘To achieve our revenue targets, revenue generating agencies, and indeed all MDAs must ensure prompt and full remittance of collected revenues.

‘‘Relevant Agencies must also ensure the realisation of our crude oil production and export targets.

‘‘I also appeal to our fellow citizens and the business community at large to fulfil their tax obligations promptly.

‘‘However, being a deficit budget, the specific Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly shortly.

‘‘I count on the cooperation of the National Assembly for a quick consideration and approval of the Plan when submitted.

‘‘All borrowings will be judiciously utilised and invested in our future growth and prosperity.’’

The President also directed MDAs to liaise with the Bureau of Public Enterprises and/or the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission to explore available opportunities for public-private partnerships, concessions as well as climate finance arrangements to fast-track the pace of infrastructural development.

He thanked the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, and all who worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much towards producing the 2022 Appropriation Act.

‘‘Let me conclude by commending the understanding, sacrifice and resilience of our people during these challenging times.

‘‘As a Government, we remain committed to improving the general living conditions of our people.

‘‘We will continue to implement measures aimed at moderating the unintended negative effects of policies on the citizenry,’’ he said.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 31, 2021

29/12/2021

President Muhammadu Buhari receives in audience Leadership of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in State House on 29th Dec 2021

President Buhari receives a report and New Logo from the President of MAN Engr. Mansur Ahmed while receiving in audience Leadership of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in State House on 29th Dec 2021

18/11/2021

CBN Eyes Self Sufficiency In Wheat Production, Launches Brown Revolution
By Abdul Usman Nov 17, 202

Nigeria has relied on the proceeds of oil exports for so long. However, with the volatility of oil prices, and its implications on Nigeria’s foreign reserves, the country has no other choice but to work towards the diversification of the Nigerian economy by investing in other productive sectors of the economy.

The Agricultural sector is one of the critical non-oil sectors which has made significant contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) accounting for a 22.35 per cent and 23.78 per cent contribution to the overall GDP in the first and second quarters of 2021 respectively.

It was also instrumental in supporting the emergence of the economy from the recession in the 2nd half of 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

A key focus of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has been the deployment of mechanisms to ensure that agriculture thrives in Nigeria.

In fact, one of the key elements of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) is to significantly grow the economy and achieve maximum welfare for the citizens by ensuring food and energy security.

Eye On Food Security

Guaranteeing food security means ensuring availability and access across all demographics in the country. The current administration has leveraged innovation and mechanization in the agricultural sector by supporting the production of numerous commodities in which the country has comparative advantage, thereby guaranteeing the availability of these commodities to the masses.

Experts say food security cannot be attained if farmers are not encouraged and adequately equipped with access to the best inputs and opportunities to learn effective agronomic practices for improved yield. It is in line with this that the Federal Government has embarked on several initiatives to provide farmers with resources, input, and materials to cultivate.

It is for this reason that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is supporting the efforts of the Federal Government by providing affordable and accessible financing options to drive domestic food production.

From all indication, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) has remained a game changer in financing smallholder farmers through innovative funding models centred around building an effective agro-ecosystem, hinged on the value chain approach.

Through the programme, N788.03bn has been disbursed to about four million farmers through 23 Participating Financial Institutions (PFI). So far, 4.796 million hectares of farmlands have been cultivated under the programme covering 21 commodities.

To further enhance the government’s efforts towards food security, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, last week unveiled the brown revolution project, a scheme that seeks to end the importation of wheat in the near future and eventually, other grains.

The Brown Revolution

The Brown Revolution scheme was specifically targeted at replicating the gains recorded in the rice and maize value chains, which is consistent with solving Nigeria’s food insufficiency imbroglio.

The initiative also draws inspiration from the need to cut back on the $2bn spent annually in importing five million metric tons of wheat, thus depleting Nigeria’s foreign reserves and ballooning the unemployment figure.

With wheat being the third most widely consumed grain in Nigeria after maize and rice, the initiative is equally motivated by the Federal Government’s commitment to economic diversification, which finds expression in the mantra of ‘producing what we eat and eating what we produce’.

The CBN, the driver of the scheme, said that there exists an unflinching resolve to push the Brown Revolution to a higher pedestal, adding that the gains were becoming so manifest, especially with the expansion of crop production in Nigeria.

Based on statistics from the CBN, Nigeria only produces about one per cent (63,000 metric tons) of the 5-6 million metric tons of wheat consumed annually in Nigeria.

With the demand-supply gap being bridged with over $2bn spent annually on wheat importation, this has made wheat the second highest contributor to the country’s food import bill.

Given the high growth rate of the country’s population and the demographic structure, the demand for wheat is projected to continue to rise. This can only intensify pressure on the country’s reserves unless the government takes a decisive step to grow wheat locally.

Speaking while unveiling the first ever rain-fed wheat programme at the CBN-ABP Wheat Seed Multiplication Farm, Kwall, Basa, Plateau State recently, Emefiele, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Mr Edward Lamtek Adamu, said that over the years, the availability of low-yielding seeds variety locally and poor agronomic practices have hampered successful cultivation of wheat in Nigeria.

He explained that this has led to low productivity, making wheat production unappealing to farmers and unattractive for private sector investments.

In order to change the situation and leverage domestic production to bridge the demand-supply gap in the country, the apex bank boss said the CBN has decided to add wheat to the list of focal commodities to be supported under the Bank’s agricultural intervention programmes.

This collaboration with key stakeholders, he noted, have culminated in the gains being witnessed under the CBN intervention in the agriculture sector.

The Governor said the Bank recognized that improved seeds varieties is the bedrock of any crop production process, adding that this informed why the CBN acquired high yielding varieties from Mexico with potential average yield per hectare of 5-7 metric tons as against a range of 0.8-1.8 metric tons yield per hectare of those varieties previously cultivated.

12/11/2021

Mambilla Power Project On The Move Again As Sunrise Power Withdraws Suit Against FG
By Abdul Usman.12-11-2021.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has said that Sunrise Power Transmission Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPTCL) has withdrawn its case against the Federal Government opening the way for the commencement of the Mambilla Power Project.

Malami disclosed on Thursday in an interview on Arise TV monitored by HIGHLAND REPORTERS.

He said that the case has ended, opening the coast for other investors to take up the hydro power project.

The Federal Government had in 2003 signed a contract to construct the Taraba-based Mambilla Power Project with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited on a Build, Operate and Transfer, BOT, arrangement.

The FG afterwards awarded the Civil Works component of the Mambilla Project to a consortium of Chinese companies, led by China Gezhouba Group.

Consequently, Sunrise sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and and Sinohydro Corporation Limited at the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) in Paris, France for contract breach

Sunrise sought before the court a compensation of $960m for the breach.

The project which was awarded to the company in Taraba State was expected to be Nigeria’s biggest plant with 3,050 megawatts. But the litigation had stalled the project for years.

The Attorney General said, “For the Sunrise, perhaps one good information or perhaps that calls for celebration that I wish to present for your consideration is the fact that Sunrise has indeed withdrawn its pending arbitral proceedings in respect of which it was claiming against the interest of the Federal Government for an amount within the region of around $1bn.

“So as it is, the only impediment to Mambilla Project which had been the pending litigation that constituted an impediment that stopped the investors from investing in Mambilla has been effectively displaced with the withdrawal or discontinuation of the arbitral proceeding by Sunrise.

“So, the information that calls for celebration is the fact that there is no any pending impediment relating to the Mambilla project with the discontinuation of the Sunrise proceeding in Paris.”

Although Malami did not mention whether the FG paid the $200m settlement agreed by both parties, HIGHLAND REPORTERS understands that a total of $200m was agreed by both parties for the company to withdraw the case from the ICA in France.
The feet was achieved under the former minister of power, Engr.Sale Mamman who was the first top government official to reveal the true position of the Forty year's old project to the public as only existing on paper.

The $200m was reached after negotiation by both parties in London.

Part of the settlement reads, “Under the above Request for Arbitration, Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited claimed damages amounting to not less than US$960,000.00 as a consequence of Respondents’ breach of the General Project Ex*****on Agreement (GPEA).

“Desirous of removing all legal impediments to the ex*****on of the Mambilla Hydro-Electric Power Project, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited have mutually agreed to settle the dispute in this arbitration amicably.

“The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall, within a period of 14 days from the date of these Terms of this Settlement, pay Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited the sum of US$200,000,000.00 in full and final settlement of the claims in this arbitration.

“Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited shall take immediate steps to provide a Deed of Acceptance of the above sum and also provide Deed of Undertaking to withdraw all its legal and equitable interests in the Mambilla Hydro-Electric Power Project and shall drop all its claims against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other parties associated with the Project.

“The terms of settlement thereof shall be entered as the Final Consent Award of this Honourable tribunal in these arbitration proceedings.”

Efforts to get Sunrise Power's comment on the withdrawal of the litigation didn't yield as the company is yet to respond to our request.