Former Texas Mayor and U.S. lawyer Mike Arnold has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, detailing the exact conditions under which he will cease his public criticism of the Nigerian government.

Addressing the President directly, Arnold rejected claims that his advocacy is motivated by financial gain or political patronage, asserting that he seeks no personal benefit from the administration.

"Do you want me to be quiet? I do not want a ambassadorial appointment. I do not want a government position, contract, favour or money," Arnold wrote. "Do all I asked, and I will not say another word about you or the presidential election. I will step away knowing that the widows, orphans and displaced families I have fought for are finally being seen, protected and helped."

The Demands & Conditions Laid Out By Arnold

In his letter, Arnold outlined specific humanitarian and security steps the Nigerian government must take regarding internal displacement and regional insecurity:

  1. Acknowledge Displaced Citizens in Abuja: Arnold urged the President to formally recognize the estimated 40,000 or more Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently living across at least eight camps within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

  2. Provide Immediate Humanitarian Relief: Call on international partners and relief organizations to deliver sustained humanitarian assistance, healthcare, and welfare to the affected populations.

  3. Clear Terrorist Strongholds & Enable Resettlement: Direct security agencies to neutralize Boko Haram and other armed groups operating in displaced families' ancestral homelands, allowing citizens to safely return to their communities.

Pushback Against U.S. Lobbying Attacks

Arnold also referenced reports surrounding a Washington lobbying contract allegedly hired to counter his advocacy and manage the administration's public relations in the United States. He claimed that targeting his credibility has only amplified his message among U.S. policymakers.

"I was the number one target of attack for your $9 million US lobby contract, and it only made me more popular, influential and determined," he stated. "No appointment. No payment. No personal benefit. Just mercy. Justice. Action. The choice is yours, Mr President."

What are your thoughts on Mike Arnold's demands regarding displaced persons and security in Nigeria? Drop your comments below!

For more background on the controversy involving U.S. lobbying activities, check out this news report on Tinubu's U.S. lobby operation. This video provides relevant context on the public relations strategy and the ongoing disputes surrounding advocacy efforts in Washington.