A United States-based lobbying firm with a direct contract with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has offered to assist the embattled Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, in seeking asylum in America. The firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, also called on US authorities to investigate allegations Adeyemi has levelled against senior Nigerian government officials.
Dr Karl Von Batten, founder of the lobbying firm, made the offer in a series of posts on X over the weekend. He said his team had established contact with Adeyemi and was preparing to brief members of the US Congress and other American agencies on the claims. Von Batten stated that the firm was prepared to support Adeyemi's application for asylum and help him obtain whistleblower protection. He argued that because the United States is the largest shareholder in the World Bank, any credible allegations involving World Bank-funded projects in Nigeria would be of significant interest to American authorities. He also warned that if any harm came to Adeyemi, his team would demand a full investigation and accountability.
In a subsequent post, Von Batten said he had spoken directly with Adeyemi and found him to be sincere and credible. He claimed that Adeyemi alleged he was appointed by President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to head the agency and was provided office space and bank accounts through the Central Bank of Nigeria. The lobbyist further alleged that Adeyemi accused Gbajabiamila of demanding 45 per cent of the agency's budget and that his refusal triggered retaliation, after which the agency was declared fraudulent. Von Batten also said Adeyemi informed him that he and his family had received threats and were in hiding over safety concerns.
The development comes as the Nigeria Police Force prepares to arraign Adeyemi before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged forgery and impersonation. In a fresh charge, the police accused Adeyemi and two others of eight counts bordering on forgery and operating the fictitious council from the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja. President Tinubu had earlier directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the activities of the purported agency within thirty days.
The lobbying firm's involvement adds a new dimension to the scandal, given its existing relationship with Atiku Abubakar. Earlier this year, Von Batten-Montague-York secured a $1.2 million contract with the former vice president to enhance his international profile and counter the Nigerian government's lobbying efforts in Washington. The firm is also representing the African Democratic Congress, Atiku's current party, in engaging US officials over concerns regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission's recognition of the party's leadership.
Abuja Network News
Tags
News