Presidential Aide Fired Amidst Unspecified Circumstances

The Presidency has announced the immediate disengagement of Fegho John Umunubo, who served as Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy in the Office of the Vice President. The abrupt termination, effective September 9, 2025, was communicated to the public via a statement from Abiodun Oladunjoye, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Presidency.

In the terse statement, the public and stakeholders in the digital and creative economy were warned that Umunubo “no longer represents this administration in any capacity.” The administration further cautioned that any individual or group who engages with him under the pretense of representing President Bola Tinubu’s government does so “at his or her own risk.” The statement did not provide specific reasons for the dismissal, leaving room for widespread speculation. This lack of detail has fueled a flurry of questions among political observers and those within the digital and creative sectors.

While the Presidency has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the sudden sacking, sources close to the administration suggest the dismissal may be linked to undisclosed matters of trust or a significant breach of protocol. The wording of the public notice—particularly the phrase “at his or her own risk”—is highly unusual and points to a serious issue that prompted this decisive action.

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Prior to his dismissal, Umunubo was a key figure in the administration’s efforts to champion the burgeoning digital and creative industries. His role involved liaising with various stakeholders to formulate and implement policies aimed at driving growth and innovation within these sectors. His sudden removal marks a significant development within the presidential circle and raises questions about the future of the administration’s digital economy initiatives.

The Vice President’s office has not yet issued a separate statement regarding the matter. Stakeholders in the digital and creative sectors have expressed surprise at the news and are awaiting further clarification from the Presidency to understand the full implications of this development.

The Implications of a Public Dismissal
The public and direct nature of Fegho Umunubo’s dismissal is a notable departure from the typical handling of such personnel changes. Usually, staff changes at this level are announced with more diplomatic language, often citing a resignation or a reassignment to another role. The stern warning issued by the Presidency against engaging with the former aide “at his or her own risk” suggests a deeper, more serious issue at play, potentially involving financial impropriety, misconduct, or a significant lack of alignment with the administration’s goals.

The incident underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on actions that could compromise its integrity. For the digital and creative economy, this move creates a temporary vacuum and a need for stakeholders to re-evaluate their communication channels with the government. The search for a new Special Assistant is expected to begin soon, as the role is crucial for maintaining momentum in a sector that the Tinubu administration has prioritized for economic growth and diversification.