The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has denied involvement in the reported appointment of seven advisers announced over the weekend, distancing her office from claims circulating in public spaces.
The clarification came through an official statement issued on Monday by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, who stated that the appointments did not originate from the minister’s office and should not be treated as official government decisions.
According to the statement, Elemue remains the only authorised media aide empowered to communicate officially on behalf of the minister. The office also clarified that Bin Usman Rano, who reportedly announced the appointments, is not a staff member within the minister’s official structure.
The statement explained that Rano is affiliated with the Dr Mariya Support Group, a political organisation said to support President Bola Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
“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,” the statement said.
The clarification followed reports that seven individuals had been appointed into advisory positions covering media, protocol, student affairs, youth and sports, religious affairs and special duties.
The minister’s office urged the public, government institutions and media organisations to rely exclusively on verified communication channels for official updates, while reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and structured public engagement.
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