society
Tinubu’s Caribbean Detour: How Nigeria’s Resources Are Funding Private Deals with the Chagoury Empire
Tinubu’s Caribbean Detour: How Nigeria’s Resources Are Funding Private Deals with the Chagoury Empire.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip to Saint Lucia and Saint Helena, before jetting off to Brazil, raises serious red flags about the true intent of his foreign excursions and the reckless use of Nigerian public resources for what appears to be a deeply personal, profit-driven mission. This was no ordinary diplomatic voyage. Behind the carefully staged optics of international relations lies a trail of covert dealings, shady business alliances and questionable loyalties; all pointing toward one family: the Chagourys.
At a time when Nigeria is gripped by unprecedented economic despair, runaway inflation and mass disillusionment, Tinubu’s trip to these obscure Caribbean islands (countries with little or no diplomatic or economic value to Nigeria) has ignited outrage. The big question on every concerned Nigerian’s lips is simple: Why Saint Lucia and Saint Helena, and what business does the Nigerian president have with the Chagoury family there?
The Chagoury Connection: A History of Shadows
The Chagoury name is no stranger to Nigerian politics. The Lebanese-Nigerian family, headed by Gilbert Chagoury, has long held deep roots in Nigeria’s corridors of power, with business interests spanning construction, telecommunications, real estate and oil. They were especially cozy with the late General Sani Abacha and Gilbert was once convicted in Switzerland for laundering money on Abacha’s behalf, a conviction that was later dismissed after a settlement, but not before it left a lasting stain.
So, when Bola Tinubu, a man whose personal and political wealth has always drawn suspicion, decides to “stop by” Caribbean nations where the Chagoury family has financial interests, red flags fly. According to diplomatic insiders and corroborated travel logs, the stopovers in Saint Lucia and Saint Helena were less about bilateral relations and more about consolidating private real estate deals and financial instruments tied to the Chagoury empire.
Nigeria’s Resources, Private Gain
It is alarming that a democratically elected leader would use Nigeria’s public resources (planes, staff, security details and state funds) to bolster private foreign investments. These trips were not publicized in official state bulletins, nor were they announced through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a clear breach of transparency. What is worse, no known Nigerian delegation or bilateral agreement was signed in either Saint Lucia or Saint Helena. No trade discussions, no tourism development pacts, no diaspora meetings. Nothing.
What did occur, however, were high-level meetings between President Tinubu’s inner circle and Chagoury family representatives to negotiate the expansion of their real estate projects, allegedly tied to offshore holdings where Nigerian interests may have been used as collateral.
This sort of deception is precisely what erodes public trust and deepens the legitimacy crisis Nigeria faces under Tinubu’s administration.
A Nation Bleeding While the President Shops for Property
Back home, the reality couldn’t be more tragic. Fuel prices are unaffordable, unemployment is skyrocketing, insecurity is swallowing entire communities and naira continues its freefall. Nigerians are forced to tighten their belts while the president gallivants across the globe in what appears to be a luxury real estate and business expansion tour.
Veteran journalist and public affairs analyst, Jide Olatunji, puts it bluntly:
“This is the worst form of political deceit. At a time when Nigerians are selling their household items to buy food, their president is busy striking private business deals with convicted foreign oligarchs. It is an insult to national dignity.”
Foreign Trips, No Foreign Results
Since assuming office, Tinubu has made more than a dozen international trips. From Paris to Doha, Davos to New York and now to these remote Caribbean islands, the president has spent more time abroad than many foreign ministers. Yet, there’s very little to show for it in terms of foreign direct investment, trade partnerships or international support. Every trip is heralded with pomp but ends in nothing but vague photo-ops and empty communiqués.
Even within the National Assembly, grumbles are beginning to surface. A ranking senator from the South-South region, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, lamented:
“We can’t keep watching our president turn Nigeria into a private logistics company for his global empire-building. These trips are excessive, unnecessary and expensive.”
Democracy or Kleptocracy?
This latest episode is a continuation of a disturbing trend: the personalization of governance. Bola Tinubu appears to treat state apparatus as an extension of his private estate; echoing the “Emilokan” entitlement mentality that powered his controversial election. Whether it’s installing loyalists into key institutions, bypassing due process or embarking on business-centric diplomatic charades, Tinubu is shaping Nigeria into a dangerous cocktail of crony capitalism and authoritarian kleptocracy.
Facts and Figures: The Burden on Nigerians
Cost of Presidential Trips: It is estimated that each foreign trip by the presidency costs Nigerians between ₦2.5 billion to ₦4 billion, including aircraft operations, logistics, accommodations and security.
Foreign Reserves Depletion: Nigeria’s foreign reserves dropped to $32.1 billion in June 2025, the lowest in over a decade yet the president flies to islands with no fiscal relevance to Nigeria.
National Debt: Nigeria’s public debt has crossed ₦101 trillion, with interest payments consuming over 90% of government revenue.
All this, while Tinubu entertains a billionaire family known for laundering stolen Nigerian funds during the Abacha era? The insult could not be deeper.
A Message to the Presidency: Enough!
Nigerians must not be passive. Civil society organizations, the media, opposition parties and religious leaders must demand a detailed breakdown of all Tinubu’s foreign trips/destinations, expenses, outcomes and justifications. We cannot allow a presidency that sells economic reform at home while pursuing private profit abroad.
In the words of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka:
“The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.”
Silence is no longer an option. Nigerians must demand accountability. We must ask why the presidency is more accountable to Chagoury’s bank than to the Nigerian people.
Final Word: This Is Not Governance
What Tinubu is doing is not leadership. It is exploitation. It is manipulation. It is, quite frankly, a betrayal. Nigerians deserve more than presidential charades designed to mask private transactions. They deserve leadership rooted in transparency, vision and patriotic sacrifice.
If Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes Nigeria is his personal estate, then we must remind him: Nigeria is a democracy, not a family business.
And if the Saint Lucia-Saint Helena trips were indeed innocent, let him prove it with documents, agreements and visible benefits to Nigeria.
Until then, this remains a deceptive trip cloaked in executive fraud and a disgrace to the nation and a tragedy to its people.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
society
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin
UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.
May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.
In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.
### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.
2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.
UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.
3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.
4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.
For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.
United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.
society
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.
In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.
According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.
He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.
“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.
The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.
He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.
“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.
Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.
While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.
“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.
The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.
He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.
society
NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers
NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.
The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.
The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.
“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.
While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.
The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.
It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.
“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.
Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.
The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.
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