Tinubu Govt Faces Backlash Over $9m Payment to Lobby US on Christian Genocide Claims
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government faces backlash after reports emerged that the former Lagos Governor paid over ₦12 billion ($9 million) to a Republican-connected lobbying firm to persuade the United States that Nigeria is taking steps to protect Christians.
A former mayor of Blanco, Texas, Mike Arnold, has slammed President Tinubu, describing the move as illogical, especially amid rising tensions on insecurity.
The report, released on Tuesday, stated that Tinubu engaged the lobbying firm, known for its strong ties within conservative Washington circles, to highlight his administration’s efforts to manage Nigeria’s international image and secure support from influential U.S. political actors.
In his reaction on X, Mike Arnold criticised the payment, saying it contradicts the realities Nigerian Christians face daily.
“While Tinubu continues to push false narratives on Christians’ protection efforts, Fulani militants keep raiding villages, burning churches, and slaughtering innocents in the Middle Belt,” Arnold said.
According to the contract, the American lobbying firm is expected to “assist the Nigerian government through Aster Legal in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining U.S support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilizing elements.”
The six-month contract runs until June 30, 2026, and includes an automatic renewal for another six months. It also allows either party to terminate the agreement for any reason without penalty, provided 60 days’ written notice is given.
