‘They’ve settled the Americans’ – Atiku-linked US firm questions Tinubu-Trump meeting, minerals deal

A United States firm linked to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the planned meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and US President Donald Trump, as well as a potential US-Nigeria minerals agreement to be signed during the United Nations General Assembly. Von Batten Montague York-LC, a representative of the firm, claimed that insiders in Nigeria have suggested that the presidency is privately confident that sensitive FBI and DEA records will not be released.

The company also alleged that the Nigerian government believes the proposed meeting will proceed because the two sides have "settled the Americans," meaning that a valuable exchange has occurred in return for a more favorable outcome. The firm noted that "settled the Americans" is a term used in Nigeria to imply that something of value has been provided for a favorable result.

The timing of the proposed minerals agreement has raised questions about potential impropriety and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the United States. The US firm also mentioned an unsolicited $3 million offer made by a member of the All Progressives Congress, who is reportedly connected to Tinubu. However, the firm stated that it lacks evidence linking the alleged offer to the proposed minerals agreement.

After receiving the unsolicited $3 million offer, the firm believes the "serious appearance problem" should not be ignored and has begun informing the Trump administration about the potential issues that could arise from signing the minerals agreement during the UN General Assembly.