FCT Minister Disowns Appointments Issued by Unofficial Aide
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO — The Office of the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, on Monday distanced itself from a series of appointments allegedly issued in the minister’s name, declaring that the appointments did not originate from the office and have no official backing.
In a disclaimer issued on Monday, the office said reports suggesting that certain individuals had been appointed into positions linked to the Minister of State’s office were false and misleading.
The statement, signed by the Senior Assistant on Media to the minister, Austine Elemue, reaffirmed that he remains the only officially recognized media aide authorized to issue statements and official communications on behalf of the minister.
“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,” the statement said.
The office also clarified that Bin Usman Rano is not attached to the Office of the Minister of State, contrary to claims conveyed through recent announcements.
According to the statement, Rano’s activities are linked to 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 Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The minister’s office stressed that any appointments, designations, announcements or authorizations issued by Rano are strictly related to the affairs of the support group and not the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
“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,” the statement added.
The office urged members of the public, media organizations, government agencies and other stakeholders to disregard any appointment letter or communication suggesting that such appointments emanated from the Minister of State’s office.
It further reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and proper communication through officially designated channels and authorized representatives.