Alleged Mambilla $500,000 bribe: ‘Diverter-in-Chief’ — Presidency brands Atiku
Presidency Accuses Atiku Abubakar of Evasion in Bribery Allegations
The Presidency has labeled Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the “Diverter-in-Chief” for allegedly evading questions from journalists regarding a $500,000 bribe linked to the Mambilla Hydro Power Project.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, on Friday, the administration accused Abubakar of deceiving the Nigerian public. The statement claimed that Abubakar not only dodged inquiries about his indictment by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris but also failed to address accusations related to the controversial project.
The statement alleged that Abubakar and former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, improperly awarded the Mambilla contract to Sunrise Power without the Federal Executive Council’s authorization or the approval of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. It further asserted that during tribunal hearings, Abubakar had received a bribe of $500,000 from Sunrise and its CEO, Leno Adesanya, to facilitate the project’s approval.
According to the statement, the funds were transferred in tranches to a Citibank account belonging to Abubakar’s ex-wife, Jennifer Douglas, raising concerns flagged by the bank and later examined in a U.S. Senate investigation into Abubakar’s alleged corruption and money laundering.
The Presidency criticized Abubakar for failing to address these integrity concerns during his recent press conference, where he discussed his campaign priorities and criticized the current administration’s plans regarding electricity subsidies. Power Minister Joseph Tegbe has previously refuted Abubakar’s claims about subsidy withdrawals, stating they lack foundation.
The statement emphasized the potential financial implications for the public treasury had Abubakar’s associates succeeded in court proceedings in Paris, as they could have walked away with $3.38 billion, which includes both a $680 million settlement and further compensation related to the Mambilla project.
“Anyone aspiring to lead Nigeria must be prepared to answer questions about their integrity. Abubakar should respond directly to the bribery allegations instead of attempting to deflect attention with unfounded accusations against the government,” the statement concluded.
Abubakar held a press conference at his residence in Abuja on the same day the statement was released.
