The House of Representatives has criticised efforts to raise allegations concerning President Bola Tinubu with US officials, with Deputy Spokesperson, Philip Agbese, accusing opposition politicians of damaging Nigeria’s image abroad.
Agbese spoke with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, saying political disagreements should be resolved through Nigeria’s democratic and judicial institutions rather than foreign governments.
He argued that the circulation of old documents and unproven allegations could affect Nigerians seeking jobs, education, business opportunities and investment abroad.
While acknowledging the opposition’s right to criticise the government, Agbese urged politicians not to turn foreign institutions into platforms for settling domestic political disputes.
He also called on the Trump administration to scrutinise the credibility and motives of individuals presenting allegations about Nigeria’s leadership.
Agbese said claims concerning Tinubu should be assessed based on proper legal and evidentiary standards, questioning the relevance of decades-old documents to the country’s current political leadership.
He warned that portraying Nigeria negatively abroad could affect investment, business relationships and the treatment of Nigerians overseas.
The lawmaker urged those seeking to challenge the Tinubu administration to focus on governance and policies, insisting that Nigerians should determine their leadership through the ballot.
The comments come amid legal proceedings in the United States over requests for records held by the DOJ, FBI and DEA concerning allegations involving Tinubu. His lawyers have asked a US court to block the release of the records.
