Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, has distanced himself from past associations with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. Adesanya stated that his interest in the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project has always been focused on its successful development, not political patronage. He described himself as a businessman with a background in banking and energy sectors, having developed relationships with people from various walks of life.
Adesanya emphasized that personal or business associations should not be interpreted as evidence of political affiliation or ulterior motives. He stated that he is a Yoruba man and more aligned with Tinubu than Atiku, citing his long-standing association with President Bola Tinubu. Adesanya expressed his support for the Tinubu administration's success and efforts to resolve issues surrounding the Mambilla project. He claimed to have made several attempts to encourage an amicable resolution, despite advice from his lawyers.
The Mambilla project, located in Taraba State, is one of Nigeria's major power-generation projects. Successive administrations have sought to resolve contractual, financing, and legal challenges surrounding its implementation. In 2017, the Federal Government signed a $5.792 billion contract for the project's development, designed to generate 3,050 megawatts of electricity. Adesanya's comments come amid renewed discussions surrounding the long-running project.
Adesanya described attempts to associate him with Atiku and Dasuki for political purposes as the work of "mischief-doers and political detractors." He stated that some dates of association have no significant relevance to the Mambilla hydro project. The promoter emphasized that his overriding objective is to see the project completed, rather than allowing political disagreements and controversies to frustrate its development.
The Federal Government recently announced that an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration tribunal in Paris ruled in Nigeria's favor in the dispute between Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited and the Federal Government. President Tinubu described the ruling as an important development for the long-delayed project and indicated that the government is determined to move forward with its development.
Adesanya reiterated his desire to see the Mambilla project become a reality, stating that his interest is to support efforts that would bring the long-awaited project to fruition. He reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, saying he wants the President to succeed and believes that the development of Mambilla should transcend political differences and competing narratives.
Adesanya insisted that priority should now be to move beyond controversies surrounding the project and focus on its potential contribution to Nigeria's power supply and economic development. The promoter's comments reflect his efforts to distance himself from past associations and emphasize his commitment to the project's success.
Key points
- Leno Adesanya distances self from Atiku and Dasuki links, emphasizing his focus on the Mambilla project's success.
- Adesanya expresses support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration's efforts to resolve issues surrounding the Mambilla project.
- The Mambilla project, a major power-generation project, has faced long-running contractual, financing, and legal challenges.
