D1RTY DEALS: Reason President Tinubu Sacked VP Shettima’s Aide Fagbo Emerges

The actual reason President Bola Tinubu sacked the former special assistant on digital and creative economy, Fagbo Umunubo, who worked at the office of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

It was learnt that the former presidential aide was sacked because he was linked to several scams in the creative industry. It was learnt that Umunubo allegedly executed many of the scams under the cover of his presidential office.

According to Premium Times, Several sources within the presidency disclosed that Umunubo struck several dubious sponsorship deals with some filmmakers and creatives. He promised them government support funding and visibility that never came to fruition.

Some of the most prominent cases included a sponsorship deal he made with the filmmaker and author, Arese Ugwu, the man who created the “The Smart Money Woman” series.

The medium cited a document that showed Umunubi, using his position as the special assistant to the president on digital and creative economy, to make deals. He had promised a sponsorship worth N10 million for the marketing and premiere of Lara Unlimited, a spin-off of Ms Ugwu’s work.

It was reported that part of the agreement included promotional rights for the digital economy office in the presidency, which the movie posters and backdrops would have its brand. Before the screening, a 30-45 second advert will come before, it will also be featured in podcast episodes and Ms Ugwu and other influencers’ shoutouts.

The sacking of Umunubo was disclosed in a statement from the office of the presidency, warning the public to desist from addressing him as a member of his administration. The president warned that any member of the public who addressed Umunubo as a member of his government “does so at his or her own risk”.

In the statement, which was signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the director of information and public relations at the state house, the presidency explained that Umunubo no longer represents the Tinubu administration “in any capacity.

The government then warned the public against relating to Umunubo as a member of the Tinubu government, adding that any Nigerian doing that “does so at his or her own risk.” He added that the warning was to guide the public about the former presidential aide.