Former media aide to ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, Umar Sani, has said the timing of a disclaimer from Sambo’s office disassociating him from his former role as suspicious.
A statement issued by Sambo’s office and signed by one Yinka Ibrahim, stated that Sani had ceased to be the ex-VP’s spokesperson since 2016.
Mr Sani described the claim as surprising and unnecessary, considering his continued role in various capacities at Sambo’s request.
“If I had indeed ceased to be his spokesperson since 2016, why issue a statement now, nine years later?” Sani asked. “This sudden declaration raises significant questions and appears rather belated.”
Sani explained that after the administration ended in 2015, Sambo personally urged him to continue as his media aide and speechwriter, despite his initial reluctance. “He convened a meeting with his then-political adviser, his chief medical physician, and myself, trying to persuade me to reconsider. Eventually, I agreed to serve on a pro bono basis,” he stated, adding that he had never received any financial compensation for his work.
The former media aide also cited instances where Sambo actively involved him in political engagements. He recalled being nominated by the ex-VP to represent him in Kabir Tanimu Turaki’s 2018 PDP presidential campaign council.
“When it was time to travel for the PDP National Convention in Port Harcourt, I was originally meant to fly with the Kabir Tanimu Turaki campaign team,” Sani explained. “However, the former Vice President insisted that I travel with him aboard his chartered aircraft.”
He further referenced a 2018 exchange between Sambo and former Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba, where Sambo directed him to issue a response on his behalf regarding comments made by Na’Abba about the former VP’s stance on education policies.
“If I had truly ceased to be his spokesman in 2016, would I have been authorized to respond to such matters on his behalf?” Sani asked, noting that no refutation had been issued at the time.
Sani suggested that Sambo’s recent disclaimer might be linked to his current engagements. “Perhaps, as a contractor, the former Vice President’s concern lies in the potential impact of my views on national issues,” he observed.
Despite the development, Sani emphasized that his relationship with the former Vice President remains cordial. “I have never issued any statement or spoken to the media claiming to be his current spokesperson,” he clarified. “However, as someone who served in that capacity, it is a historical fact that cannot be changed.”
