P&ID: FG Not Considering Negotiation Over ‘Fraudulent’ Agreement -Malami

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami,SAN has maintained that the Federal Government of Nigeria “is not considering any possibility of negotiations” with the Process and Industrial Development (P&ID).

Malami stressed that everything associated with the P&ID gas contract of 2010 was based on fraud.

“There will be no negotiation or talk of settlement with P&ID or any related party by or on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“The recent judgment of the English Commercial Court confirmed our view that P&ID and its cohorts are fraudsters who have exploited our country.

“They will not benefit from their corrupt behaviour.”

His position was contained in a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr Umar Jibrilu Gwandu.

Recall that the UK Court had granted the country’s application for an extension of time to seek to upturn about $9.6 billion fine awarded against it.

Recently, Malami had said that even though settling out of court was an option in judicial proceedings and arbitration, the federal government would not explore the option because it knew that P&ID embarked on a fraudulent scheme against the country, through that agreement.

“This is a classic case with overwhelming fraudulent and corrupt under tones.

“It is has not only fallen within the tall order exception referred to by the Hon Attorney-General in his interview with Arise TV yesterday, but lacks any legitimate foundation.

“We will not and cannot negotiate arbitral awards where the basis and foundation rely on fraud, corruption, breach of processes and procedures.

“The Government remains wholly committed to fighting this case to overturn the exorbitant award without paying a single naira of public money to these fraudsters,” he said.