Umar Sani, a former media aide to ex-Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, has responded to a statement from Sambo’s office claiming that Sani ceased to be his spokesperson in 2016.
Sani described the statement as “utterly spurious” and “highly unnecessary,” questioning why Sambo’s office would issue such a statement nine years after the fact.
Sani revealed that after leaving office in 2015, Sambo had asked him to continue serving as his spokesperson and speechwriter, a request Sani initially declined. However, Sambo persisted, and Sani eventually agreed to serve on a pro bono basis. Sani emphasized that he has not received any compensation for his services to date.
Sani also highlighted his involvement in Kabir Tanimu Turaki’s 2018 PDP presidential campaign, where he served as a media emissary for the campaign council. He noted that Sambo had submitted his name as his representative to the campaign council.
In 2018, an altercation occurred between Sambo and former Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba regarding the government’s efforts to address declining education standards. Sani was asked by Sambo to respond to Na’Abba’s claims, which he did. Sani questioned why Sambo’s office would claim he was no longer his spokesperson when he was authorized to respond to Na’Abba on Sambo’s behalf.
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Sani speculated that Sambo’s statement might be motivated by concerns that Sani’s views on national issues could hinder Sambo’s current business endeavors. Sani emphasized that his relationship with Sambo remains amicable, and he has never issued statements or engaged with the media as Sambo’s current media aide.
Sani concluded that Sambo’s statement was unnecessary and that his designation as Sambo’s former media aide will endure. He challenged Sambo’s claim, asserting that he remains loyal to the ex-Vice President.
The exchange between Sani and Sambo has raised questions about the motivations behind Sambo’s statement. Some have speculated that Sambo may be attempting to distance himself from Sani’s views on national issues.
