Reps Deputy Spokesperson Agbese warns opposition's FBI records fight damages Nigerians' global image
Reps Deputy Spokesperson Philip Agbese says the opposition's push for President Tinubu's FBI drug trafficking records has moved beyond 2027 election politics and is actively harming Nigeria's international reputation. Speaking Thursday, the Benue State lawmaker warned that framing Nigeria's leadership as criminal-built backfires on all Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad—whether for work, study, business or travel.
Agbese stressed that while political competition is legitimate, responsible politicians must refuse to cross the line of portraying their country as crime-ridden just to gain electoral advantage. He noted the controversy could damage the image of every Nigerian living, working or studying overseas. This comes as former VP Atiku Abubakar's hired Washington lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, continues pursuing the FBI records case. The firm's managing partner Karl Von Batten recently alleged the Tinubu administration offered a $3 million bribe to halt the probe—a claim firmly denied by the Presidency.
With Nigerians abroad already facing heightened scrutiny in visa applications and business dealings, will such political tactics ultimately hurt ordinary citizens more than they help opposition goals?