Minister’s Office Disowns Alleged Appointments, Issues Disclaimer

The Office of the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, has moved to stamp out what it described as false representations of appointments and misuse of the Minister’s name, amid growing confusion over alleged authorisations being circulated by individuals outside the official structure.

In a disclaimer signed by the Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, the office said it had become necessary to clarify its position following reports suggesting that certain individuals had been appointed into positions linked to the Minister’s office.

“The attention of the Office of the Honourable Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has been drawn to reports and publications suggesting that certain individuals have been appointed into positions purportedly connected to the Office of the Honourable Minister of State,” the statement read.

It stressed that only one person is officially recognised to speak for the Minister.

 “For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Austine Elemue remains the only officially recognized and duly appointed Media Aide to the Honourable Minister of State, FCT, and the only person authorized to issue media statements and official communications on behalf of the Minister, except where otherwise expressly directed,” it stated categorically.

The clarification also distanced the office from one of the individuals at the centre of the controversy, stating: “The public is hereby informed that Mr. Bin Usman Rano is not an aide attached to the Office of the Honourable Minister of State, FCT.”

According to the statement, Rano’s activities are instead linked to a separate mobilisation structure. 

“Rather, his activities are understood to be connected with the Dr. Mariya Support Group, a political movement established to mobilize support among women and youths for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the second-term bid of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 general elections ” it asserted.

The office further warned that any claims emanating from such channels should not be associated with official government communication. 

“Consequently, any appointments, designations, announcements, or authorizations issued by Mr. Bin Usman Rano are strictly related to the affairs of the support group and have no connection, whatsoever, with the Office of the Honourable Minister of State, FCT, or the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA),” the statement signed by Elemue emphasized.

It urged the public, media organisations and stakeholders to disregard such claims entirely. 

“Members of the public, media organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders are advised to disregard any claim, appointment letter, or communication that seeks to create the impression that such appointments emanated from the Office of the Honourable Minister of State, FCT” it urged.

Reassuring on its communication structure, the office added that it remained committed to proper information flow through recognised channels. 

“The Office remains committed to transparency, accountability, and proper communication through its officially designated channels and authorized