Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has said his past controversial comments on terrorist groups including Taliban and Al-Qaeda were misconstrued.
The minister also said he has no issues with Christians, adding that his personal driver, secretary and technical assistant are all Christians
In a viral video recorded many years ago which was later confirmed by his lawyer, Michael Numa, the Minister was seen engaging the late Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf, in a public debate.
Pantami, an Islamic scholar, according to Peoples Gazette, also once declared he was always happy when infidels were massacred.
Peoples Gazette said Pantami’s comments were contained in three audio recordings of his teachings in the 2000s when he took extreme positions in support of the brutal exploits of Al Qaeda and Taliban elements on a campaign to obliterate the West and conquer other parts of the world.
But the Minister said his statements were misconstrued, rejecting affiliations with terror groups.
The hashtag #PantamiResign has since been trending online. The supporters of the minister have also come up with a counter-hashtag – #PantamiWillStay.
