While his departure coincides with fresh banditry and terrorism allegations directed at the lawmaker, Tilde explicitly omitted the controversy from his resignation, stating that his exit was entirely driven by personal treatment and professional slights. Specifically, he highlighted an instance where the senator visited his home ward and engaged with local residents without notifying him, describing the omission as deeply hurtful and disrespectful given his local ties.

Tilde emphasized that political and public service partnerships must be anchored on mutual respect, trust, and acknowledgment of each other’s roles—conditions he believes have completely eroded. Concluding his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, maintained a clear conscience regarding his tenure, and wished the senator well in his future pursuits.

In an assertive statement posted to his X handle, the former minister challenged Von Batten’s credibility and motives.

Key points from Fani-Kayode’s statement include:

• Denial of Allegations: Fani-Kayode dismissed the claims that President Tinubu was bribed, labeling the information as “hogwash” and asserting that Tinubu has not been convicted of any crime.

• Call for Due Process: He insisted that the ongoing US disclosure case concerning Tinubu should be allowed to run its course through the American judicial system, expressing confidence that the rule of law will prevail.

• Personal Attack on the Lobbyist: Fani-Kayode directly questioned Karl Von Batten’s identity, educational background, and legitimacy. He alleged that Von Batten, who was reportedly born Ikemefuna Okeke, adopted his current surname through marriage and that there is no public record to substantiate his claims of attending prestigious universities like Oxford or Harvard.

• Accusation of Misleading Atiku Abubakar: Fani-Kayode claimed that Von Batten was hired by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and paid $1.2 million for what he described as a futile and fruitless legal and lobbying campaign against President Tinubu. He sarcastically remarked, “How did you manage to fool His Excellency Abubakar Atiku… into paying you 1.2 million USD for pursuing a futile cause?”

• Reaffirmation of Tinubu’s Position: Concluding his statement, Fani-Kayode declared that efforts by Von Batten and his firm will ultimately fail, stating that “President Tinubu’s destiny and fate is not in your hands but rather in the hands of God and the Nigerian people.”