US firm urges Trump to sanction INEC officials, others over ADC’s ordeal

A Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C. has called on the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump to intervene in the challenges faced by Nigerians and the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The firm also urged the president to make efforts towards protecting ordinary Nigerians who are left to defend themselves against the vices bedevilling the nation.

The firm’s appeal follows the Wednesday evacuation advisory issued by the US Department of State to American citizens and embassy staff in Nigeria.

Responding to the US advisory on X, the firm commended the Department of State for its proactive move to protect Americans who are currently living in Nigeria.

It said, “We thank the U.S. Department of State (@StateDept) for its quick action to protect American lives by authorising the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja due to the worsening security environment.

“Under the current government, #Nigeria is experiencing a serious deterioration in its economic, social, and security conditions, reaching levels not seen in its long and proud history,” the firm said.

It however, warned that recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under President Bola Tinubu’s administration have deepened challenges faced by Nigerians.

“Recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (@inecnigeria), reportedly taken under pressure from the Office of the President, have only deepened these challenges.

“While foreign nationals may depart, ordinary Nigerians are left to fend for themselves under a government that appears more focused on retaining power against the wishes of the majority of Nigerians than on fulfilling its responsibility to protect and provide for its citizens,” the firm added.