President Buhari's Nephew, Mamman Daura Revealed As His Speechwriter

The plagiarised "Change Begin With Me" speech that sent Nigerians reeling in shock has a huge revelation behind it. It was written by the President's nephew, Mamman Daura. 

Under President Buhari's administration, all types of speeches, whether on the economy, education or terrorism, are organised solely by Mamman Daura. He thinks he knows everything. Buhari’s Personal Assistant, Sabiu Yusuf (popularly known as Tunde Idiagbon) types the speeches. He is known not to use drafts submitted by MDAs, even on technical issues such as budget, climate change and maternal health. That’s why Nigerians no longer get an advance synopsis of presidential speeches online as happened during Jonathan’s era.

“Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu only get to see President Buhari’s speeches when such speeches are distributed at official functions. Mamman has hijacked everything,” the source said.

Mamman Daura is the major power broker in Aso villa. Everything must go through him. He does not have any portfolio or appointment from the Presidency. Daura’s only qualification for the power and influence he wields in the government is that he is the President’s nephew.

It is an open secret that Mamman Daura influenced most of the appointments made so far by the President. The President’s nephew moved his abstract office to one of the guest houses in the Villa, popularly referred to as the Glass House. He parades a large retinue of staff on the pay­roll of the Presidency. He commandeered a fleet of official vehicles from Aso Rock for his personal use.

The Presidency had moved to whittle down his influence by withdrawing both official vehicles and supply of refreshments to his supposed office. During Jonathan’s Presidency, draft speeches from MDAs were submitted to late Oronto Douglas who then does the vetting. Recall that Garba Shehu had said a deputy director had written the plagiarized speech and that he will be punished.

The last time we checked, Mr. Attah Esa is the only deputy director attached to the State House media office. His duties are concerned only with newspaper reviews.