FCT Minister denies links to alleged appointment of seven advisers

In a bid to maintain administrative integrity and clear up public confusion, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has formally disowned a recent announcement regarding the purported appointment of seven new advisers. This clarification became necessary after an individual named Bin Usman Rano, claiming to act as a media aide to the minister, publicly declared these appointments over the weekend.

The response from the minister’s office was issued on Monday through Austine Elemue, the authentic Special Assistant on Media, who is the only individual authorized to release official information regarding the minister’s activities. The statement clarified that Rano has no professional affiliation with the Federal Capital Territory Administration. Instead, he is identified as a member of the Dr. Mariya Support Group, a political entity focused on mobilizing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the upcoming 2027 electoral cycle.

According to the official communication, any announcements or designations coming from Rano are strictly limited to the private operations of his political support group and have no bearing on the actual functions of the minister’s office. The administration has explicitly warned the public, media organizations, and relevant government agencies to disregard unauthorized statements and to rely solely on established official channels for any information pertaining to the minister.

By taking this decisive step, the minister’s office is aiming to preserve the standards of accountability and professional communication that govern its operations. The incident highlights a proactive effort by the minister to protect her office from misinformation and to ensure that the public remains accurately informed about official administrative developments.

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has denied any connection to the appointment of seven advisers reportedly announced by Bin Usman Rano, who allegedly identified himself as her media aide.

In a statement released on Monday by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, the minister’s office said the appointments did not originate from her office.

Elemue stated that he is the only authorised media aide permitted to issue official statements on behalf of the minister.

The statement explained that Rano is not a staff member of the minister’s office but is linked to the Dr Mariya Support Group, a political organisation backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Any appointments, designations, announcements or authorisations 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 said.

Rano had reportedly announced the appointment of seven aides over the weekend, covering areas such as media, protocol, student affairs, youth and sports, religious affairs, and special duties.

The minister’s office advised members of the public, media organisations and government agencies to rely only on official channels for information relating to her office.

The statement also reaffirmed Dr Mahmoud’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective communication in carrying out her responsibilities.

FCT Minister denies links to alleged appointment of seven advisers