The Office of theMinister of State, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has warned the public against false claims of appointments linked to her office.
In a disclaimer signed by Mr. Austine Elemue, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister and issued on June 22, 2026, the office said its attention had been drawn to reports and publications suggesting that certain individuals had been appointed to positions “purportedly connected” to the Minister of State’s office.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 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, except where otherwise expressly directed,” the statement said.
The office said Mr. Bin Usman Rano is “not an aide attached to the Office of the Honourable Minister of State, FCT.” It said his activities are connected with the Dr. Mariya Support Group, a political movement mobilizing 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.
“Consequently, 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, FCTA,” the disclaimer added.
The office urged members of the public, media organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders to disregard any claim, appointment letter, or communication that suggests appointments emanated from the Minister of State’s office.
It reaffirmed commitment to “transparency, accountability, and proper communication through its officially designated channels and authorized representatives.”
The disclaimer follows recent concerns about unauthorized individuals issuing statements or presenting themselves as representatives of public office holders, a practice government officials have repeatedly cautioned against.