Presidency insistent on discrediting my law firm — Von Batten

Dr. Von Batten-Montague, the lobbyist hired by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Nigerian Presidency of attempting to discredit his law firm and its work.

The latest exchange comes amid the ongoing public debate surrounding records connected to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and legal efforts to obtain documents from United States authorities.

In a statement, Von Batten said the Nigerian Presidency appeared determined to continue what he described as unsuccessful attempts to undermine his credibility and that of his colleagues.

“This is Dr. Von Batten. As my colleague stated yesterday, the Nigerian Presidency does not seem to know when to stop digging itself into a hole,” he said.

The lawyer specifically referred to a social media post by President Tinubu’s adviser, Sunday Dare, who retweeted a news article quoting the White House regarding Von Batten’s reported appointment.

According to the article cited by Dare, officials in the Trump administration clarified that the appointment did not make Von Batten a White House official or give him policymaking authority.

The report further stated that the position was unpaid, with commissioners serving at the pleasure of the President, receiving no compensation from the United States government and not requiring Senate confirmation.

But Von Batten said he had no issue with the clarification, stressing that he considered it an honour to be associated with an opportunity to serve his country, whether the role was paid or unpaid.

“President Trump is the greatest American President, and it is an honor to even be thought of for any role associated with his Administration, paid or unpaid,” he said.

He added that his willingness to serve was not connected to financial compensation, declaring that he would willingly offer his service for as long as he was needed.

“I am proud of my President and would serve for free for a thousand years if he asked,” Von Batten stated.

He also said he was proud to have been considered for a role that would involve helping to recognise outstanding young Americans.

“I am proud to have been asked to serve helping recognize the best of the best among America’s young men and women,” he said.

The lawyer described himself as deeply committed to the United States and expressed strong support for the country’s leadership.

“I am an American. I love my country, and I serve my country and my President without question,” he added.

However, Von Batten went further by directing criticism at President Tinubu, claiming that such loyalty to one’s country was something the Nigerian leader could not understand.

“That is loyalty to one’s country that President Tinubu does not have the capacity to understand,” he said.

The latest statement adds another layer to the increasingly heated exchange between officials of the Nigerian Presidency and Von Batten-Montague’s legal team over the records controversy.

While the Presidency has continued to challenge the claims and interpretations put forward by the law firm, Von Batten and his colleagues have maintained their position regarding the legal proceedings and documents linked to the case.