President Muhammadu Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura, has been portrayed as the leader of the cabal in the Presidency by an elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark.
The former Minister for Information stated that while Daura acts as head of the cabal, Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, was just an “errand boy” of the cabal.
Clark, who was similarly seen as among the cabal in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, made the remark while dismissing Daura’s claim that he only visits Buhari to advise him whenever the need arises.
The DAILY VENDOR recalls that Daura, in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, had said he only advises the president on issues if his opinion was asked.
The President’s nephew had maintained that he has never imposed decisions on the President as generally believed by Nigerians.
But Clark insisted that Daura having held no political appointment previously, neither has the qualification nor experience to give directives on affairs of governance.
In a statement personally signed by himself, Clark faulted Daura’s residency in Aso Villa, arguing that he holds no position to do so.
He said: “Mamman Daura has never held any notable political appointment to qualify him to be a political adviser to Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari on the affairs of Nigeria, which entitles him (Mamman Daura) to have permanent accommodation/residency at the Aso Villa, with his family, where politicians go to him, to lobby for political appointments.
“It is, therefore, not true that he visits the Aso Villa to advise Mr. President. He resides permanently at the Villa with his family.
“This is what led to the open display of shame between the First Lady, Aisha Buhari and Mamman Daura’s Children.
“The First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari has severally complained openly of how her husband’s nephew, Mamman Daura and his family, keep harassing and interfering in the affairs of the first family.
“He is the leader of the ‘Villa Cabal’ and the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to Mr President, Garba Shehu is the go-between or the errand boy of the ‘Cabal’.
“Mamman Daura as nephew to Mr. President has every right to speak on their family matters because he is part of Muhammadu Buhari’s family. But he has no experience or qualification to give directives on Nigeria’s governmental affairs.”
