Minister Disowns Alleged Aide Who Appointed Seven Advisers

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has distanced herself from appointments allegedly announced by Bin Usman Rano, who reportedly presented himself as her media aide and named seven advisers under his office.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, and published on her verified Facebook page, the appointments were described as unrelated to the Office of the Minister of State, FCT.

Elemue stated that he remains the only duly appointed media aide authorised to issue official statements on behalf of Dr. Mahmoud.

According to the statement, Rano is not attached to the Minister’s office but is associated with the Dr. Mariya Support Group, a political organisation supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 general 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, including advisers on media, protocol, student affairs, youth and sports, religious affairs, and special duties.

The Minister’s office urged the public, media organisations and government agencies to rely only on official channels for information concerning her activities and office.

The statement also reaffirmed the Minister’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective communication in the discharge of her duties.