By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

A former media aide to Nigeria’s ex-Vice President, Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo, has dismissed as unnecessary and misleading a statement from the former VP’s office asserting that he ceased to serve in that capacity since 2016.

In a statement signed by Umar Sani, the former aide questioned the timing of the disclaimer issued by the former Vice President’s office nearly nine years after the purported cessation of his role. He described the move as belated and curious, raising doubts about the motive behind such a public pronouncement at this time.

Sani clarified that after the conclusion of Sambo’s tenure in 2015, he was persistently urged by the former Vice President to continue as his spokesperson and speechwriter. Initially reluctant, he was persuaded through a meeting convened by Sambo, which included his political adviser and medical physician. According to Sani, while an offer was made for him to be financially compensated, he chose to continue serving pro bono and has not received any payment for his contributions to date.

He further highlighted his role in the 2018 presidential campaign of Kabir Tanimu Turaki, where the former Vice President recommended him as his representative in the campaign council. He was actively involved in media engagements and was even included in Sambo’s travel arrangements during the National Convention.

Referring to past engagements, Sani cited an instance in 2018 when the former Vice President tasked him with responding to former Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba regarding a dispute over an official visit made during Sambo’s tenure. He argued that if he had indeed ceased being the former VP’s spokesperson in 2016, he would not have been assigned such responsibilities in later years without any formal denial from Sambo’s office.

Sani speculated that the real reason behind the statement may be linked to Sambo’s ongoing business interests, hinting that his outspoken stance on national issues could be perceived as a potential obstacle to certain contractual engagements.

While asserting that he has never made statements on behalf of the former Vice President in recent years nor been reported by any media outlet as his current aide, Sani maintained that he will continue to be recognized as Sambo’s former media aide, a designation he believes is indelible.

His response underscores lingering tensions over political affiliations and past roles, raising questions about the motivations behind public disclaimers of political associations long after official tenure ends.