Jubilation In PDP, As Bukola Saraki Signs Groundbreaking Agreement With Powerful Lobbying Firm

Emerging report indicates that Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has secured the services of a United States, US, lobbying firm, to assist him in getting the support of the American Government and Institutions, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Saraki reached an agreement with KRL International LLC , Nevada, USA, through Retail Express Limited of Lagos, Nigeria and the details of the agreement are contained in the documents filed by the Firm with the Foreign Affairs Registration Agency, as required by the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended. The filings are mandatory for all Firms providing lobbying and PR services for foreign Institutions and Governments.

The retainership concerning the Senate President, was signed between Adekoyejo Shogbola of Retail Express Limited (on behalf of Mr. Saraki), and K. Riva Levinson, President KRL International LLC. The agreement, which took effect on August 20, 2018, and would run for eight months, would cost Mr. Saraki $200,000, (about N72.7 million, at N363 to a US dollar), payable on a monthly installment of $25,000.

The Senator wants KRL International to attract favourable conditions for him in the US, while also building support for Nigeria’s political process and the 2019 elections.

“Whereas, the Client is desirous of engaging the services of the Firm, to provide technical assistance in the area of stakeholder engagement in support of a free and fair election in Nigeria, in February, 2019. Whereas, the Firm will advocate on behalf of H. E. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (hereafter referred to as ‘the Principal’), before the US government, the donor community, multi-lateral institutions, non-governmental organisations, international media, and the private sector. Whereas, the Firm has accepted the professional engagement offered by the Client, and represents that it possesses the necessary expertise, skill, technical knowledge, ability, and experience, to render the required services to the Client. Whereas, the Firm will perform the following scope of work: Engage policymakers and stakeholders in Nigeria, the US and internationally, to secure support for the principal and for Nigeria’s political process. Advise on a communications strategy, to convey the core tenets of the principal’s vision. Provide in-country support throughout the electoral process, including the post-election period.

“Whereas, the Firm’s services will seek to achieve the following;

Establish the leadership and democratic credentials of the principal in Washington, D.C. and in key European capitals; Secure US support in ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, in 2019; and consolidate the strategic importance of Nigeria in relation to US national security policy and US-Africa relations. Now, therefore, and in consideration of the mutual promise and agreements herein contained, the parties hereby agree as follows: It is mutually agreed by the parties to this agreement, that the firm performing the services outlined above in this retainer agreement, along with the statement of work incorporated by reference, shall be compensated with a fee of $25,000 per month. It is mutually agreed that extraordinary expenses, including international travel, will be paid for by the client and outside of the scope of the fees herein. Extraordinary expenses shall be pre-approved by the client. All inter-continental flights to be business class, with travel outside of the Washington, D.C. to be pre-approved and advanced by the client for travel.”

The agreement which commenced on August 20, 2018, and would run until April 2019, is renewable on a month by month basis, upon agreement from both parties.

“This agreement may be terminated with or without cause, by either party providing the other party 30 days written notice of termination”, the memo further read. The retainer fee shall be due in monthly installments, with the first two months due upon the signing of this agreement by the parties, and subsequent payments due on the 15th of the month prior, beginning on 15th September, 2018. The agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties, and supersedes, cancels, revokes, and terminates, any previous agreement on the same subject matter, ever executed between the parties.”