Leno Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, has denied attempts to link him to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki in relation to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. Adesanya stated that his interest in the project has always been focused on its successful development, not political patronage. He attributed the attempts to link him to the two former government officials to "mischief-doers and political detractors" seeking to create a misleading impression about his role in the long-running project dispute.
Adesanya emphasized that his involvement in the project has been driven by business and developmental interests, stressing that personal relationships or business associations should not automatically imply political affiliation or ulterior motives. He noted that his career and business activities have brought him into contact with people across Nigeria's political, business, and professional landscape. Adesanya began his banking career with Citibank in the 1980s before building businesses, particularly in the energy sector.
The promoter of Sunrise Power also sought to distance himself from suggestions that his association with Atiku or Dasuki was evidence of political patronage. Adesanya declared his support for President Bola Tinubu, stating that he is "more Tinubu than Atiku." He explained that his support for Tinubu was based on ethnic identity and a long-standing relationship with the President. Adesanya expressed his desire for the Tinubu administration to succeed.
Adesanya's comments came as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to clear the legal and contractual obstacles that have stalled the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project for years. The government recently announced that an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration tribunal in Paris had ruled in Nigeria's favour in the dispute with Sunrise Power, removing a major legal hurdle to the long-delayed project. President Tinubu welcomed the ruling, describing it as a significant development that would enable the government to move forward with efforts to develop the Mambilla project.
The proposed hydroelectric project, located in Taraba State, is regarded as one of Nigeria's most ambitious power-generation projects. Successive administrations have struggled to resolve contractual, financing, and legal issues that have hindered its implementation. In 2017, the Federal Government signed a $5.792 billion contract for the project, which was designed to generate 3,050 megawatts of electricity.
Adesanya reiterated his desire to see the project completed, stating that its development should transcend political differences and competing narratives. He stressed that the enormous power-generation potential of Mambilla should take precedence over arguments about political associations and past relationships. Adesanya's ultimate interest remains the successful execution of Mambilla and its contribution to Nigeria's electricity supply, industrial growth, and broader economic development.
The Mambilla project has faced significant delays, and Adesanya's statements are seen as an effort to shift attention away from the political and legal controversies surrounding the project and towards its actual delivery. With the recent arbitration ruling, the project is expected to move forward, and Adesanya's commitment to its development is expected to be put to the test.
Key points
- Leno Adesanya denies political ties to Atiku Abubakar and Sambo Dasuki in relation to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
- The Federal Government has removed a major legal hurdle to the Mambilla project with a recent arbitration ruling in its favour.
- The Mambilla project has the potential to generate 3,050 megawatts of electricity and is considered one of Nigeria's most ambitious power-generation projects.
