Minister Distances Office from Unauthorized Appointments
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has publicly disowned a series of appointments allegedly made by one Bin Usman Rano, who had presented himself as her media aide. The appointments, which included seven advisers covering media, protocol, student affairs, youth and sports, religious affairs, and special duties, were announced over the weekend, prompting an immediate clarification from the minister's office.
Dr. Mahmoud’s Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, issued a statement describing the appointments as completely unrelated to the Office of the Minister of State, FCT. Elemue emphasized that he is the only duly appointed media aide authorized to issue official statements on behalf of the minister, and that Rano is not attached to the minister’s office as claimed.
Rano Linked to Political Support Group
According to Elemue, Rano’s actions are connected to the Dr. Mariya Support Group, a political organization supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 general elections. The statement clarified: “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 minister’s office urged the public, media organizations, and government agencies to rely only on official channels for information concerning her activities and responsibilities. Dr. Mahmoud reaffirmed her commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective communication in the discharge of her duties.
Background: Tinubu’s Ministerial Appointment
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud was appointed as Minister of State for FCT after replacing Maryam Shetty, who was unexpectedly withdrawn from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministerial list during the screening at the National Assembly on August 4, 2023. Shetty’s name was replaced with Mahmoud’s, who was reportedly her secondary and university classmate.
Previous Incident: Fire at Minister’s Residence
In a separate incident, the Abuja private residence of Dr. Mahmoud was razed by fire on February 25, 2024. Emergency response was reportedly slow to arrive, and an aide to the minister confirmed the incident, stating that the cause of the fire was under investigation.
