A coalition under the banner Concerned Taraba Stakeholders for Fairness has called for what it describes as a more balanced and historical assessment of the long-stalled Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, cautioning against recent criticism directed at former Minister of Power, Sale Mamman.

The group’s reaction follows an online media report questioning Mamman’s stewardship of the project during his tenure and challenging him to account for its lack of progress.

While the stakeholders acknowledged the need for accountability in public office, they argued that isolating one administration does not reflect the project’s complex history spanning several decades.

In a statement issued in Taraba State and made available to journalists over the weekend, the coalition led by coordinator Musa Mohammed, said the Mambilla project dates back to the 1970s and was formally awarded in 2003 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. They noted that Mamman only assumed office in August 2019, long after the project had already faced years of delays and restructuring.

According to the group, one of the major obstacles to progress has been prolonged international arbitration proceedings in Paris, which they said have significantly slowed implementation.

“Assigning four decades of challenges to a minister who served for roughly two years is historically inaccurate,” the statement read.

The stakeholders also addressed ongoing legal proceedings involving Mamman and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where he faces allegations of financial misconduct linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects involving over N65 billion. They stressed that he has pleaded not guilty and remains protected by the constitutional presumption of innocence.

They further referenced a January 2025 Federal High Court session in which an EFCC witness reportedly confirmed that statements attributed to Mamman were made in the presence of legal counsel and supported by video evidence, noting that the trial is still ongoing.

The coalition also pointed to structural and legal complications predating Mamman’s tenure, citing court filings in a separate matter involving former minister Olu Agunloye. According to those filings, the Federal Executive Council had directed in 2003 that the contract memo for the project be withdrawn for renegotiation, a process they say was never completed.

They added that EFCC testimony has suggested that China Exim Bank was not formally part of the 2003 memorandum of understanding, further complicating financing arrangements for the project.

“These issues—legal disputes, arbitration, and funding gaps—are central to understanding why the project has stalled,” the coalition said.

On Mamman’s removal from office in September 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the stakeholders noted that no official statement linked his dismissal to corruption allegations or the Mambilla project.

They cautioned against drawing conclusions not supported by documented evidence, describing such interpretations as speculative.