Investigative journalist David Hundeyin has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not governing in Nigeria’s best interests but is instead answerable to foreign powers, particularly the United States and France.
Hundeyin claims that this is due to the president’s alleged involvement in drug-related activities, which have reportedly led to international scrutiny and influence over his actions.Hundeyin’s assertions are based on documents from U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and CIA, which have been partially released under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These documents detail investigations into Tinubu's financial activities in the early 1990s, including the forfeiture of $460,000, which was linked to narcotics trafficking. The U.S. agencies have opposed the full release of these records, citing national security concerns and the protection of intelligence sources.
According to Hundeyin, the CIA's involvement with Tinubu suggests that he may be an asset of the agency, with the potential for significant influence over his decisions. He further alleges that the Nigerian president's connections to foreign powers have compromised his ability to prioritize Nigeria's interests.
In response to these allegations, the Nigerian presidency has denied any wrongdoing. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated. He emphasized that Tinubu was never charged with any drug-related offenses and that the forfeiture was part of a settlement agreement.
The controversy surrounding these allegations has sparked debates about transparency, accountability, and the influence of foreign powers on Nigerian leadership. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these issues will impact President Tinubu's administration and Nigeria's international relations.
