*I’m not at large, says Agunloye
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has declared his readiness to testify for Nigeria in respect to former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye’s alleged involvement in the $2.3 billion disputed Mambilla power contract.
Sunrise Power and the country are at loggerheads at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris, France, as the company alleged a breach of contract.
Sunrise Power said it was awarded a $6 billion contract to build, operate, and transfer the power plant in May 2003 by the former President Obasanjo’s administration.
The company claimed that the Federal Government of Nigeria repudiated the agreement and made claims of compensation in the sum of $2.3 billion.
The company further claimed that it had already spent millions of dollars on financial and legal consultants before the contract was jettisoned.
However, in its defence, the federal government alleged fraud and corruption of public officials in the award of the said contract.
In his letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi SAN, counsel to the Nigerian government, the former President expressed his willingness to testify on behalf of the Nigerian government “in any form.”
Meanwhile, the former Minister, Dr. Agunloye, has responded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying he’s not a fugitive and therefore not on the run.
He promised to be at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters Wednesday.
He wondered why the EFCC declared him wanted when he was in court at the last hearing of the matter between him and the Commission on November 20th.
He emphasised that in the last appearance in court, the matter was adjourned until Febuary 2, 2024, querying why EFCC was looking for him again.
“The court in the last sitting adjourned the matter till February 2 next year, which means it’s compelling for both of us to be in court at the next adjourned date.
“So, there is no need for EFCC to have declared me wanted.
“As an elder statesman, at 75 years old, who have served this nation meritoriously in different capacities, twice as a minister, I have no reason whatsoever to be on the run.
“I hold every individual and institution of government in high esteem. I am clean and has not committed any crime.
“Since I saw the publication, I will voluntarily be on my way this morning (Wednesday) to EFCC’s office to answer whatever questions or queries they have against me.”
