Nigerians have continued to call for the resignation of Ali Isa Pantami, minister of Communications and Digital Economy over alleged links to terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and Taliban.
This is despite the announcement by the minister that the ban on SIM registration has been lifted, ending four months of lack of activities on SIM cards by network operators. Interestingly, the announcement was made the same day, the viral video that alleged jihadist sentiments was posted on Twitter.
In the viral video published by online media platform Sahara Reporters, and confirmed by the minister’s lawyer, Michael Numa, the minister who was much younger when the video was recorded, was seen engaging the late leader of Boko Haram, Muhammed Yusuf.
The Peoples Gazette also said it was in possession of three audio recordings that showed the minister making statements in support of the killings of infidels by Islamic jihadists.
A civil society group on Friday sent a petition to the United States government urging the Joe Biden administration to investigate Pantami’s alleged links with the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
The petition dated April 11, 2021, and titled, ‘Terrorist Watchlist –Isa Pantami’, was signed by the convener of the group, Deji Adeyanju
In the petition, the group asked the US to place the minister on its terror watch list should investigations prove the allegations are true.
“He is a senior member of President Buhari’s regime and we are of the view that a supporter of Mullah Omar and Osama Bin Laden should not hold a sensitive position and be in charge of the database of Nigerians. We are confident that Mr. Pantami will not resign or be sacked despite the public outcry because President Buhari is drawn to men like him,” Deji Adeyanju, convener of the group said.
A previous report by the Independent Newspaper and Newswire Nigeria alleging that the minister was among people on the US terror watch list was retracted by the media platforms. The minister had also threatened to file a suit against the platforms for defamation.
Supporters of the minister are also trending a hashtag #Pantamiwillstay, accusing those calling for his resignation of supporting terrorists and the fight against insecurity.
