Atiku’s Lobbyist Appointed to Unpaid Students’ Honours Panel, Not White House Policymaking Position
Atiku Abubakar’s United States lobbyist, Nigerian born Karl Okeke Von Batten, was appointed to an unpaid education commission and not a White House policymaking position, Per Second News gathered in Washington, D.C., on Friday morning.
An investigation has identified the previously undisclosed presidential commission to which Von Batten was appointed by US President Donald Trump.
Von Batten, whose full name has appeared in public records as Karl Marx Edward Ikemefuna William George Okeke Von Batten, announced on September 3 that Trump had appointed him as a commissioner on a “White House presidential commission.”
The announcement attracted considerable attention in Nigeria because his firm is working for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar under a reported $1.2 million lobbying and reputation management contract.
However, the statement did not identify the commission, explain his responsibilities or provide an official appointment letter. No corresponding announcement was immediately found on the White House website.
Checks have now established that the body is the Commission on Presidential Scholars, which is administered by the United States Department of Education.
The commission reviews finalists and selects graduating high school students for recognition under the US Presidential Scholars Program. It has no role in American foreign policy, national security, intelligence, diplomacy or relations with Nigeria.
Trump administration officials who spoke with Per Second News clarified that the appointment does not make Von Batten a White House official or give him policymaking authority.
The position is unpaid. Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the President, receive no compensation from the US government and do not require Senate confirmation.
Established by President Lyndon B. Johnson through Executive Order 11155 on May 23, 1964, the programme recognises exceptional graduating high school students for academic excellence, leadership and service.
As a commissioner, Von Batten will participate in reviewing semifinalists and selecting up to 161 Presidential Scholars annually. Recipients are presented with the Presidential Scholars Medallion, one of the highest federal honours for graduating high school students.
More than 8,000 students have received the recognition since the programme was established.
Trump administration officials said the political significance of Von Batten’s appointment had been overstated in Nigeria.
The role does not provide him with a formal platform to influence US policy towards Nigeria or intervene in matters involving President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar or Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
The investigation establishes that Von Batten’s mandate is educational and not a diplomatic, political or executive position.