Photo Present Tinubu
By Cecelia Edwards
A United States-based policy advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to support the public release of Federal Bureau of Investigation records relating to allegations of heroin trafficking reportedly linked to him.
The firm also called on Tinubu to withdraw his alleged opposition to the disclosure of the records in a United States court, arguing that his position should be consistent with his public advocacy against drug trafficking.
The firm made the demand in a statement published on its verified X account, following what it said was a meeting between its principal, Dr Von Batten, and congressional staffers from the Republican and Democratic parties on Wednesday.
According to the firm, discussions at the meeting covered several issues, including the allegations concerning the Nigerian president.
It urged Tinubu to demonstrate his commitment to combating drug trafficking by supporting the disclosure of any relevant records held by the FBI.
“If President Tinubu is committed to fighting drug trafficking, we challenge him to publicly call for the FBI to release all records concerning alleged heroin trafficking reportedly connected to him.
“We also challenge him to withdraw his petition before the US court opposing their disclosure,” the firm said.
The organisation also criticised what it described as Tinubu’s attempt to portray himself as an anti-drug campaigner, characterising his recent advocacy as a “desperate stunt” unless he supported the release of the records.
The controversy relates to allegations concerning Tinubu’s past in the United States and legal proceedings over the disclosure of records held by American authorities.
The FBI is the principal federal investigative agency of the United States Department of Justice. Access to its records may be governed by applicable disclosure laws, privacy protections and court orders.
Tinubu and the relevant authorities would have an opportunity to respond to the latest allegations. No response from the Presidency was included in the statement provided by the firm.
The demand comes amid continuing public scrutiny of the president’s past and renewed debate over transparency, accountability and the standards expected of public office holders.
