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[OPINION] Why Are The Police, DSS, And President Tinubu Failing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan? Must She Be Killed Before You Act? - John Egbeazien Oshodi
The silence is deafening. The lack of action is appalling. As the days go by, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s life hangs by a thread while the Nigerian Police, DSS, and the Presidency under Bola Tinubu appear indifferent to the terrifying allegations she has made. She has named names, exposed the plots, and gone through the proper channels by reporting to the Inspector General of Police. Yet, her cries for protection have been met with nothing but silence.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan did not reveal these horrific plots to the world today for fame or sympathy. She did so because the institutions tasked with protecting her have failed to act. Where is the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, in all of this? Where are the police? Where are the DSS? Where is justice? Nigeria’s institutions are failing, and the world cannot afford to remain silent.
By now, every day that passes without an investigation, without even the invitation of those implicated, brings her closer to the very fate she fears. Her blood is crying out for justice. And if these institutions do not act now, they are effectively endorsing her death.
Selective Enforcement and Institutional Failure
Nigeria’s security apparatus is built on the principles of justice, impartiality, and the protection of all citizens, regardless of their political status or social standing. However, the silence in the face of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations reveals the hypocrisy embedded in these institutions.
Natasha has reported credible death threats from powerful figures—Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello. Yet, instead of immediately launching a full-scale investigation, the Nigerian Police, DSS, and other agencies have remained silent. Their refusal to act is not due to ignorance; it is a deliberate choice, rooted in a system that favors the powerful over the powerless.
Selective enforcement has become a chronic problem in Nigeria’s justice system. It is a disease that prioritizes political connections over truth and integrity. When ordinary Nigerians are accused of crimes, the response is swift and brutal. Yet when prominent figures are implicated, the machinery of justice grinds to a halt.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case is a glaring example of this disparity. Despite her formal complaints and public statements, the response has been a deafening silence. What message does this send to the Nigerian people? That justice is only available to those who wield political power?
The failure of the Nigerian Police, DSS, and other relevant bodies to investigate such serious allegations is an indictment of the entire system. If the institutions meant to protect the people cannot act when the threats are so explicit, what hope is there for ordinary citizens who seek justice?
Alarming Allegations By Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations are not casual statements made in passing. They are direct, precise, and documented. The details she provided are chilling and demand immediate action. During her recent homecoming address, Natasha stated:
“On the 13th of March at 10:00 pm… Akpabio called Yahaya Bello. I was informed of everything… The meeting was on two folds – they told him to commence my recall and that he was going to fund it. The second thing he said was that he should try and kill me. I didn’t make this public, but I have written to the IG of Police. Akpabio told Yahaya Bello that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, that it should happen here so that it will look as if it was the people that killed me here.”
These are not vague allegations. They are direct accusations against high-profile individuals, detailing a conspiracy to kill her and make it appear as though it was an act of public violence. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has made it clear that she has reported these threats to the Inspector General of Police, but no action has been taken.
The fact that she has had to go public with such information is a damning indictment of Nigeria’s security institutions. It highlights their failure to act on credible intelligence and their apparent unwillingness to protect a woman who has dared to challenge the power structures of the nation.
The implications of her allegations are staggering. If powerful men like Akpabio and Bello are allowed to plot against her with impunity, then Nigeria’s justice system is a hollow shell, serving only those who control it.
Political Influence And The Manipulation Of Law
The legal and security institutions of Nigeria have been compromised by political influence and manipulation. Instead of acting as impartial arbiters of justice, they have become tools for the powerful to suppress opposition and eliminate threats to their dominance.
Despite the gravity of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, the Nigerian Police and DSS have failed to even question the individuals implicated. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello have not been summoned, interrogated, or even formally addressed. Why? Because their political stature affords them protection from the law.
Political influence over law enforcement agencies has created a culture of impunity where the powerful are untouchable. Akpabio and Bello continue to enjoy freedom and influence, despite allegations of conspiracy to assassinate a senator. This blatant manipulation of the law erodes public confidence in the very institutions meant to uphold justice.
President Tinubu must recognize that this culture of impunity cannot continue. By failing to act decisively, he is not only endorsing the actions of Akpabio and Bello but also undermining the credibility of his administration. The entire justice system is on trial, and the world is watching.
Systemic Rot And Corruption
Nigeria’s legal and security institutions are deeply infected by corruption. The failure to investigate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations reflects a broader pattern of systemic decay where political power trumps the rule of law.
Corruption has permeated every level of Nigeria’s justice system. From the police to the judiciary, powerful figures use their influence to bend the law to their will. Natasha’s ordeal is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a larger problem that has plagued Nigeria for decades.
The lack of accountability for powerful individuals is a betrayal of Nigeria’s democratic principles. When justice is only accessible to the privileged, the entire system is compromised. Natasha’s case is a wake-up call that demands immediate and thorough reform.
The culture of corruption and selective justice must be dismantled. President Tinubu, the Nigerian Police, and the DSS must act now to restore faith in the nation’s institutions.
The Global Digital Spotlight: The World Is Watching
The world is not blind to what is happening in Nigeria. The allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are now circulating across international platforms, prompting concern and condemnation from human rights organizations, media outlets, and global advocates for justice. When a serving senator makes explicit claims of assassination plots involving high-ranking officials, the global community takes notice.
Foreign governments, international watchdogs, and human rights organizations are closely monitoring Nigeria’s response. Organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and others dedicated to protecting the fundamental rights of individuals are listening. Nigeria’s continued silence and refusal to investigate such credible allegations will not go unnoticed.
In a world where information spreads within seconds, Nigeria’s leaders must understand that their actions—or inaction—will be scrutinized. The international community is not only aware of the allegations but is also documenting how Nigeria’s institutions respond. Every day that passes without action strengthens the perception that Nigeria’s legal and security systems are compromised by political influence and corruption.
President Tinubu, Akpabio, Bello, and all relevant parties must understand that the global community is waiting for accountability. They must realize that these allegations cannot be swept under the rug. The failure to act will only attract more condemnation and could potentially damage Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage.
Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the voices of its allies, partners, and advocates for justice. By refusing to address the allegations against Akpabio and Bello, the nation risks becoming a pariah state where political violence and intimidation are accepted norms.
Selective Justice: Why Hasn’t Akpabio Been Questioned?
Nigeria’s justice system is supposed to be impartial, equitable, and just. But the selective application of justice has become a defining characteristic of the nation’s institutions.
Why hasn’t Akpabio been questioned? Why hasn’t Bello been called in for interrogation? Why hasn’t President Tinubu demanded immediate action? These are the questions that echo through the minds of Nigerians and observers worldwide.
The failure to even question those implicated in Natasha’s allegations reflects a disturbing double standard. If the accusations were leveled against an ordinary Nigerian or a political opponent with less influence, the response would be swift and unforgiving. Police would have already launched an investigation, questioned those involved, and made arrests if necessary.
Yet, in this case, the accused are high-ranking political figures. They enjoy a level of protection that ordinary citizens cannot access. Their influence over the police, DSS, and other agencies has created a wall of immunity that shields them from accountability.
The selective nature of justice in Nigeria is a betrayal of the nation’s foundational principles. It sends a clear message that those in power are above the law. It also raises a fundamental question: If Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot obtain justice, what hope do ordinary Nigerians have?
By failing to investigate the allegations, the Nigerian authorities are effectively endorsing a culture of impunity. They are signaling to the world that justice in Nigeria is reserved for the powerful and politically connected.
The Price Of Inaction: A Risk Too Great To Ignore
Every day of inaction is a day that brings Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan closer to danger. The threats she has reported are not theoretical; they are specific, documented, and credible. Yet, the refusal of the Nigerian authorities to act sends a chilling message.
The blood of an innocent woman will be on the hands of those who refuse to act. If Natasha is harmed, it will not be the result of a random event—it will be a consequence of deliberate neglect. The police, DSS, and the Tinubu administration will be directly responsible for failing to protect her.
But the price of inaction goes beyond Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s personal safety. It speaks to a larger issue of institutional decay and moral failure. If powerful figures can plot against a serving senator without consequence, then what hope is there for ordinary citizens?
The refusal to investigate this matter undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s institutions. It confirms that justice is only available to those who hold political power. It creates a dangerous precedent where violence, intimidation, and murder become acceptable tools for silencing opposition.
President Tinubu, Where Are You?
President Tinubu’s silence in the face of such serious allegations is both alarming and unacceptable. As the President of Nigeria, he is the ultimate authority responsible for ensuring justice, maintaining order, and protecting all citizens. His refusal to address the allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan could be seen as a failure of leadership.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reported her allegations to the police. She has made her case public. She has done everything within her power to seek protection. And yet, President Tinubu has remained silent. Why? Is his loyalty to Akpabio and Bello greater than his commitment to justice?
By refusing to act, President Tinubu is undermining the credibility of his administration. His silence gives the impression that he is complicit in the injustice being perpetrated. If he allows political allegiances to override his duty to protect Nigerian citizens, then he has failed in his role as President.
President Tinubu must recognize that this issue will not simply disappear. The world is watching, and his administration will be judged by how it responds to these allegations. If he continues to ignore the matter, then he is inviting condemnation and ridicule on both a national and international level.
The time to act is now. President Tinubu must demand immediate investigations, ensure that the police and DSS do their jobs, and demonstrate that no one—regardless of their political status—is above the law.
Demand For Immediate Action
The gravity of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations requires immediate and decisive action. The following steps must be taken without delay:
Immediate Investigation: The Nigerian Police and DSS must, right now, initiate thorough investigations by inviting and questioning Akpabio, Bello, and all others implicated. This cannot be delayed any further.
Accountability: Akpabio and Bello must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their political status. No individual should be above the law.
Presidential Action: President Tinubu must intervene, ensure immediate investigations are conducted, and demonstrate that his administration values justice over political allegiance.
International Pressure: The international community must press Nigeria to act on these serious allegations. Silence is complicity, and global bodies must demand justice.
Protection of Human Rights: Nigeria must demonstrate its commitment to justice, democracy, and the protection of all its citizens. Anything less is a betrayal of its foundational principles.
Conclusion
If, at the time of this writing, no action has begun—no urgent investigations, no invitation of Akpabio, Bello, and others for questioning—then it must start now. Not tomorrow, not next week. Now.
President Tinubu, you are the leader of this nation. You are responsible for upholding justice and protecting your citizens. You must act now before Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s blood stains your hands and becomes a permanent scar on your administration’s legacy.
The world is watching, the Nigerian people are demanding justice, and your leadership is on trial. Act now before it is too late.
This writer does not know any of the individuals involved; the focus is solely on upholding democracy, truth, and justice.
Why I Refused To Pray With My Cellmates – Portable Opens About Experience In Police Custody
Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has said he used the recent detention in police custody to correct misconceptions about him, especially claims that he is mentally unstable.
Naija News recalls that Portable was detained and arraigned in court over alleged conspiracy and assault of three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Speaking in an interview on Echo Room, the singer said the leader of the cell voluntarily stepped down for him to take charge, but he declined, insisting the place is not his house.
Portable also shared details about the harsh conditions in the cell, including how new detainees were often beaten, but he was fortunate to have escaped such treatment because he ‘blessed’ the prisoners in cell 4.
According to him, some of his cellmates attempted to engage him in prayers, but he refused, stating that their prayers could not be effective together.
He said, “Thank God I am a Government’s child. They said I am a crãzy person, when I got the government I told them I am not a crãzy. When I entered Cell 4, I blessed them. Normally, they beat new people in the cell; when I got there, the head of the cell dethroned himself for me to become the leader, but I said No, this is not my house. Then I asked what his offence was; he said they accused him of murder. I told him to stay beside me as long as he didn’t kill me.
“A person said we should pray; I said No, God doesn’t answer this kind of prayer. We aren’t in church. One said he had killed one person, another said he killed two people, and another said three people. I haven’t killed anyone, so our prayers cannot work together. Pray on your own.”
[NaijaNews]
Tuface spotted with Igbinedion’s granddaughter at Edo election tribunal
Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, better known as Tuface, made a surprise appearance at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday.
He arrived at the tribunal with his new lover, Natasha Osawaru, who is the Deputy Majority Leader of Edo state House of Assemblym.
The duo appeared in court, spent some minutes, before heading out.
The tribunal is set to deliver judgment on the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State.
Osawaru, the granddaughter of billionaire Gabriel Igbinedion, got engaged by 2Face following his separation from his wife, Annie Marculey.
Since then, the singer and the lawmaker have been spotted together in public on multiple occasions.
Recently, the Edo lawmaker recently updated her Instagram bio to reflect the singer’s surname, Idibia.
The duo appeared in court, spent some minutes, before heading out.
[Dailytrust]
Elon Musk’s Tesla vehicle becomes best-selling vehicle in China, Norway
The Tesla electric vehicle, Model Y, has become the best-selling in China and Norway in March 2025.
Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of Tesla, confirmed this in a separate X statement on Wednesday.
According to data on the revamped Model Y, performance showed that 43,370 units of the car were sold in March 2025 to become the best-selling battery electric vehicle in China.
Commenting in a terse statement on X, Musk said, “Tesla Model Y is #1 in China.”
Similarly, in Norway, a report showed that Tesla’s Model Y sold 1819 units in March alone. Also, the data indicate that 2792 units of Model X were sold in the first quarter of 2025.
Earlier, Elon Musk stated that “Tesla actually literally makes the best-selling car on Earth of any kind. That’s two years in a row.”
The development comes amid a surge in the attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships, storage lots, and charging stations in some parts of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, has launched a task force to kerb attacks on Tesla vehicles.
In a related development, recall that President Donald Trump recently announced a 25 percent tariff on automobile imports to boost the domestic car industry, which is expected to kickoff on Wednesday, 2 April, 2025.
[DailyPost]
Why we didn’t increase petrol pump price, by NNPCL
Despite the recent upward adjustments of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol by different prices, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has left its unchanged at N880 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Nation’s investigation at all NNPCL retail outlets in the city revealed the uniform price of N880 per litre.
In Lagos, the corporation has retained pump price at N860 while other major marketers have increased to between N930-N980.
Its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye attributed the stability of price in the state-owned oil firm’s outlets to its determination to adhere to its core mandate.
The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) mandates the NNPCL to guarantee energy security for the country.
Asked why has NNPCL left the pump price unchanged, Soneye told The Nation in Whatsapp text message that its for energy security mandate.
He further noted the PIA mandates NNPCL to be the supplier of last resort.
Soneye said: “Energy security. The law mandates NNPC to be the supplier of last resort.”
Asked whether NNPCL was sustaining the pump price at a loss, he said “not really.”
NNPCL’s refineries Port Harcourt and Warri have been operational, also supplying products to the domestic market.
It refines its own feedstock from its upstream firm- National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and JVCs.
Its sustenance of the pump price despite the changes in most components of the petrol pricing template such as crude oil price increase and exchange rate shows a maintenance of a slim profit margin for energy security.
The Nation’s investigation at the petrol stations in Abuja showed that some major oil marketers sold the product from between N950 per litre to N970 per litre.
Some independent marketers vended the petrol for N990 per litre with little or no patronage.
But the NNPCL outlets recorded significant patronage.
Dangote affiliate petrol station, MRS vended the product for N950 per litre after adjusting the price from N880 per litre.
The management of Dangote Refinery on March 19 announced the temporary suspension of sale of petrol in Naira.
According to the announcement, the NNPCL had stopped the sale of feedstock to the plant in Naira.
Sokoto condemns harmful traditional metal poisoning treatments
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Health, Faruk Wurno, has expressed deep concern over the use of harmful traditional practices by local barbers in treating metal poisoning cases.
Wurno condemned the practice of making incisions on patients’ stomachs as a form of treatment and called for its immediate cessation.
Speaking during the presentation of government-supplied drugs for metal poisoning treatment at General Hospital Tureta on Wednesday, Wurno emphasised the need for affected individuals to seek medical attention at hospitals instead of resorting to unsafe traditional methods.
“The practice of making incisions on the stomach of patients suffering from metal poisoning must stop immediately. Instead, those showing symptoms should be rushed to hospitals for proper medical care,” the commissioner directed.
Wurno, represented by the Executive Director of the State Hospital Services Management Board, Bello Attahiru, assured that the government would distribute the essential drugs to all general hospitals handling metal poisoning cases.
Receiving the medical supplies, the Chairman of Tureta Local Government Council, Aliyu Tureta, expressed gratitude, noting that the provision of the drugs was timely.
Tureta assured that the local government would ensure proper utilisation of the medicines for their intended purpose, highlighting the council’s earlier efforts in addressing the health crisis.
The state government’s intervention is expected to curb the dangerous traditional treatment methods and improve access to safer and more effective medical care for affected patients. The first
[Punch]
Barca never had financial room to register Olmo – La Liga
La Liga said Wednesday Barcelona did not have the financial capacity to register players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor and still lack it, ahead of a decision by Spain’s sports council (CSD) over the duo’s eligibility to play.
In January Barcelona announced a deal had been reached to sell VIP boxes at the club’s Camp Nou stadium, currently being rebuilt, worth a reported 100 million euros ($108 million), which gave them the financial fair play room for new licences for the players.
La Liga said Barcelona used an unnamed auditor between December 31 and January 3 which recorded the deal on the club’s books, but their current auditor no longer includes it in the club’s interim financial statements for the first part of the 2024-25 season.
“No amount from the (VIP box deal) is ultimately recorded in the profit and loss accounts, contrary to what had been certified by the club and the auditor at the time of said transaction,” said La Liga in a statement.
La Liga said they were reporting the auditor Barcelona used between December 31 and January 3 to the Accounting and Auditing Institute.
“Barcelona… did not have on December 31, 2024, or on January 3, 2025, nor has it had since that date, nor does it currently have, (the financial fair play capacity) for the registration of the players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor,” continued La Liga’s statement.
Barcelona declined to comment when asked about the matter by AFP.
On January 8 the CSD granted Barcelona precautionary permission to use Olmo and Victor, after La Liga said Barca failed to register them before a deadline at the end of December when their temporary licences they were given after signing last summer expired.
The CSD decided Olmo and Victor could be selected by Barca until they make a definitive ruling in the club’s case against La Liga and the Spanish football federation (RFEF), who did not let the club renew their registrations. The ruling is set to come on or before April 7.
The players were initially registered on a short-term basis, as Barcelona took advantage of a financial loophole following an injury to defender Andreas Christensen.
Olmo, currently injured, has played 13 times since then, scoring two goals and providing four assists, while Victor has five substitute appearances.
[Vanguard]
Tinubu heads to France today for two-week ‘working visit’
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja today for Paris, the French capital.
In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said during the “short working visit”, Tinubu will review his administration’s achievements so far.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, today on a short working visit,” the statement reads.
“During the visit, the President will appraise his administration’s midterm performance and assess key milestones.
“He will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.
“This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year.
“Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion — a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion.”
He said while away, Tinubu will remain “fully engaged” with his cabinet and continue to oversee governance activities.
Onanuga added that the president will return to Nigeria in about two weeks.
The president has embarked on a raft of “working/private visits” to France since his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
Shortly after winning the presidential election in 2023, Tinubu departed for Paris.
In January 2024, Tinubu travelled to France for a “private visit”.
In November of the same year, the president landed in the European country for a “state visit”.
In January 2025, Tinubu was in France again for a private visit.
[TheCable]
Better Buy Right Now With $2,000: Bitcoin or Solana?
2025 has already been a chaotic year for both Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Solana (CRYPTO: SOL), with the former losing 6% of its value and the latter losing 28% even as both are exposed to major catalysts in the form of an emerging apparently pro-crypto regulatory regime in the U.S.
But through the rest of the year, there could be a lot of upward action in both of these coins. Here's which one is the better option for an investment of $2,000.
A question of appetite for risk
Bitcoin is the safer of these coins, which makes it the better choice for conservative investors. The reason for that is Bitcoin does not need to compete with other chains for investors' capital on the basis of its technology or the value of the projects in its blockchain ecosystem.
Think about buying gold. Nobody expects that gold will get any upgrades that make it easier to use as a store of value; people buy it because it's scarce, and it's energy-intensive to mine. It's the same idea with Bitcoin. As there can only be 21 million Bitcoins that ever exist, every new coin that's mined and purchased is a coin that someone else can't have.
The world could change a vast amount over the coming years, and those central precepts would still remain true, and the coin would retain value due to its scarcity. But, generally, investments that have a shot at retaining most of their value are not as effective at positioning investors to gain from changes to that value, as the assets themselves are less likely to change. So it's reasonable to expect that there will not be as much growth with an investment in Bitcoin compared to an investment in an alternative like Solana.
For Solana, consider it to be closer to an ecosystem that you're betting will expand and become prosperous. If the many projects hosted on Solana's chain flourish (and based on their ever-increasing application revenues over time it seems like that's the case), there will be more demand for the coin, as the coin is a prerequisite for taking most actions when using the chain. If, on the other hand, a more effective chain comes along that beats Solana on its technical chops, it might be a problem.
In terms of the future segments that could drive Solana to higher values, artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to be the most important. There are already a slew of projects on Solana claiming to offer infrastructure for AI agents to hold resources on and interact with the blockchain. But it remains to be seen if those projects will actually generate value in a way that attracts more capital to invest in Solana or its tokens.
Therein lies the risk: While an AI-fueled boom would send the coin's price higher by increasing the total value stored on the chain as distributed in its tokens, such a boom would need to be more than a flash in the pan to keep the price rising over the long term. And it's too early to tell what might happen, which implies that investors will be taking a significant risk if they buy Solana, even if the upside could be tremendous.
Give these investments plenty of time to deliver their value
Regardless of whether you prefer the higher-risk proposition of Solana or the safer pick of Bitcoin, you're going to need to retain your coins for at least a few years to give time for the investment theses for each to play out in full.
On that front, Bitcoin is probably the asset that will require the longer hold to fully benefit. Its increasing mining difficulty occurs over the course of years, and in all probability, decades. It is possible to sell your coins before those long periods have elapsed, but you'll be leaving money on the table by doing so.
In contrast, a lot can change with Solana in just a couple of years, especially considering the pace at which trends in cryptocurrency segments come and go. So far, the most durable trend that the chain has claimed as its own is the meme coin casino -- a dubious distinction, but a driver of its value nonetheless. Ongoing success in more serious segments like AI agents, AI infrastructure, or decentralized finance (DeFi) would do a lot to ensure that the chain's value survives as the world changes around it.
[The Motley Fool ]
Why Trump's Tariffs Could Actually Be Good for Bitcoin
So far, crypto markets haven’t behaved as expected under the Trump Administration. Investors hoped that regulatory reform and policies like a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve would drive prices appreciably higher. But it’s been the opposite. Bitcoin has fallen from highs well above $100,000 at the beginning of the year to a trough in the mid-80,000s for most of March.
Crypto prices have suffered from being increasingly correlated with traditional assets like stocks and bonds, which have been hit by macroeconomic uncertainty. Tariffs — surcharges the U.S. places on imports from other countries — have Wall Street worried about a global recession. Crypto investors have been steering clear of crypto assets, which are seen as relatively risky.
“This is all about markets’ ‘risk appetite’ which continues to deteriorate, and for the time being drives a wedge between crypto assets and gold, which continues to be the ‘safe haven’ of choice,” said Marc Ostwald, Chief Economist & Global Strategist at ADM Investor Services International.
“[That’s] in no small part driven by central bank FX reserve managers, who are seeking to reduce USD exposure, which has long been a source of concern to them.”
As the global financial and trade system becomes more fragmented, investors are seeking alternatives to riskier assets, including dollars. For now, that means turning to gold, which is up 18% year-to-date.
But that could change, said Omid Malekan, an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School and author of "The Story of the Blockchain: A Beginner's Guide to the Technology That Nobody Understands." Bitcoin could be the new gold soon enough.
“I think the entire [future] is uncertain and in some ways unknowable, because there are many crosscurrents and both crypto and tariffs are new. Some people argue that crypto is just a risk-on tech asset and would sell off due to tariffs. But bitcoin has found footing in some circles as ‘digital gold’ and the physical variety is soaring on the tariff news. So which will it be?”
In other words, economic uncertainty could lead investors to seek out bitcoin just as they have sought out gold in recent months.
Another note of positivity: the impact of tariffs on crypto could be “priced in” and the worst might be over already, said Zach Pandl, head of research at Grayscale, a leading crypto asset management firm.
President Trump is due to announce U.S. tariffs on Wednesday, April 2, at 4 p.m. ET—what’s known as “Liberation Day.” According to reports, he’ll lay out “reciprocal tariffs” against 15 countries that have levied tariffs against the U.S., including China, Canada and Mexico.
Pandl estimates tariffs have so far taken 2% off economic growth this year. But Liberation Day might actually stop the worst of the pain felt in financial markets. “If we see an announcement [on Wednesday] that is tough but phased, and focused on the 15 countries they seem to be targeting, my expectation is that markets will rally on that news,” Pandl told CoinDesk.
“Potentially once we get through this announcement, crypto markets can focus back on the fundamentals which are very positive.”
Pandl said announcements like Circle’s IPO wouldn’t be happening if institutions didn’t have a high degree of confidence in the digital assets sector and the policies around it.
Moreover, Pandl, a former macro-economist at Goldman Sachs, believes that tariffs will increase the appetite for currencies that aren’t dollars.
“I think tariffs will weaken the dominant role of the dollar and create space for competitors including bitcoin. Prices have gone down in the short run. But the first few months of the Trump Administration have raised my conviction in the longer term for bitcoin as a global monetary asset.”
Pendl still believes that bitcoin will hit new all-time highs this year, despite current pessimism around prices. “I wouldn’t have quit my Wall Street job if I didn’t think bitcoin will be the winner in the long term,” he said.
[CoinDesk]