P&ID: How Previous Govt Subjected Nigeria To Liability – Malami

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has said that previous administration walked the country into the debt liability resulting from the Process and Industrial Development Limited (P&ID) Gas Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA) of 2010.

“A government that precedes this government has indeed packaged a 2010 agreement and created a foundation for an unprecedented liability against the Nigerian state.

“A government that predates the government of President Muhammadu Buhari had indeed conducted the proceedings up to the point of liability and indeed subjected the Nigerian state to a liability,” Malami said on Sunday on Channels Television.

Recall that a United Kingdom Commercial Court had on Friday, held that Nigeria had successfully established a prima facie case against P&ID.

The gas project never materialised.

The court also granted the country’s application for an extension of time to file an application to defend itself and possibly overturn the $9.8 billion awarded against it by a UK Tribunal.

Meanwhile, Malami also debunked criticisms that the Buhari administration acted slowly on the case, adding that about three major breakthroughs had been recorded so far by the OAGF.

“Let me start by clearing an impression that this is the third leg victory and not first leg victory.

“The first victory we have recorded as far as this case is concerned is that of obtaining a stay of execution order.

“The second victory we have recorded as far as this case is concerned is the variation of the order for cash deposit of 200 million.

“The third victory which we have recorded is the order of the court allowing us to reopen the case after over six years, which is unprecedented.

“So if indeed I am to correct that impression, it is a fought series of victories recorded by the office of the Attorney General within a span of six years,” he added.

Also, Malami observed that the legal success recorded on the case by the Buhari administration was as a result of team work.

“The success relating to P&ID is a collective effort involving multiples organs of government.

“But the sum total is the fact that it has been a success and multiple success stories ever since this Government came on board,” he added.

However, Malami maintained that the country had learned its lessons and had resolved to tighten up measures to guard against a repeat.