Tag: Dr Isa Pantami

  • Pantami Urges Governors to Create Ministry of Digital Economy

    Pantami Urges Governors to Create Ministry of Digital Economy

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, yesterday urged governors to consider the creation of the Ministry of Digital Economy in their domains.
    He said this would enable every state to access numerous opportunities in the sector.

    Pantami spoke when he led top officials of the Federal ministry and its agencies to visit Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at his office in Agodi, Ibadan, the state capital.

    The minister said the delegation was in Oyo State to attend the 10th National Council on Communication and Digital Economy after the state had beaten four other states to clinch the hosting right.

    He added that the team was at the governor’s office to thank his administration for its support and hosting the event.

    Pantami said: “We are in Oyo for the 10th National Council on Communication and Digital Economy. I am here representing President Muhammadu Buhari…

    “Also, we’re here to encourage the state to establish the Oyo State Ministry of Digital Economy as we have so far in Imo and Edo states. The way ICT is developing and contributing to the economy, job creation and many more, it cannot be left under another ministry. There is the need for an independent ministry in charge of digital economy.”

    “Particularly at the Federal level, from 2019 when I took over till date, I was given a mandate to increase revenue generation and, based on independent assessment by foreign commonwealth and development office of the United Kingdom (UK), and KPMG where all the ministries were evaluated and presented to Mr. President during the last ministerial performance retreat held recently, it was discovered that we have increased revenue generation in the Digital Economy sector by 594 per cent. “

    “It is because of this reason that we are encouraging the states to establish a state ministry, and not only in Oyo. We are encouraging all states of the federation, particularly the opportunity you have in job creation. They are enormous, and with a state ministry, the opportunities are there for them to pick.”

    The minister alluded to a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) with American tech giant, Microsoft, saying: “Recently, we signed an MoU with Microsoft where they will train 5 million Nigerians for free and not only in basic trainings but cutting-edge trainings, high demand skills required globally and particularly.

    “Today, there is a mismatch between our curriculum in some higher institutions of learning and the opportunities out there.

    “So, we provide trainings that will address the mismatch that we have so that our citizens can be employed locally and internationally. This is along with several trainings that are ongoing with state ministries. They will be able to get more of that.”

    Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, said the state government was keying into the Federal Government’s policies by transiting from manual to digital administration.

    She said: “Like the minister said, indeed in Oyo State, we understood that for us to make progress and for us to be able to make impact that we wanted to make since we came into office in 2019, ICT was critical.

    “To improve our economy, which is actually one of our strategic points; to expand our economy, investing in digital economy was also very important.

    “So, from the very beginning, we had a policy and framework on ICT on our digital economy, that we’ve just been ticking the boxes on to get to where we are now.

    “It’s no surprise to us as an administration that we became the best state last year. I’m interested in seeing what happens this year because we’ve remained on that path. I’m curious to see which state is actually going to beat us, in all fairness, with all objectivity and not because we hosted.

    “It was because we were on that path that we were very pleased to host the council meeting in Oyo State this year. So, I’m glad that it’s gone very well. I look forward to joining all of us, and I look forward to a successful close tomorrow (today)…”

  • FG Inaugurates Broadband for Higher Institutions, MSMEs

    FG Inaugurates Broadband for Higher Institutions, MSMEs

    The federal government has unveiled broadband infrastructure to support 18 higher institutions of learning and for micro, small and medium enterprises in the six geo political zones of the country.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami stated this during the unveiling in Abuja at the weekend,

    At the inauguration, the minister said the initiative was aimed at achieving the nation’s national digital plan and boosting the economic drive of the government.

    He said this would accelerate broadband penetration in the country and advance the course of digital economy projections for the nation.

    He said that digital connectivity and expanding access to information play a role in enhancing the economy.

    “This will result in an addition of up to $2 trillion dollars per year to the world GDP and the creation of about 140 million jobs

    “Similarly, a report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation states that 80 per cent of economic benefits in developing countries are as a result of the use of ICTs and digital skills. While in developed countries, it is even higher at 90 per cent.”

    He said Nigeria had experienced the impact of the digital economy on other sectors of the economy.

    “You will recall that the digital economy of Nigeria played a key role in stabilising and growing other sectors of our economy.

    Pantami noted the fact that digital connectivity, access, and skills are critical for human and economic development in both developed and developing countries.

    Pantami listed the institutions to include University of Lagos, College Of Education (Special), Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

    Others are University of Calabar, University of Benin, University of Port Harcourt, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina, Borno State University, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University,

    The remaining institutions that benefited from the initiative are Bauchi, Gombe State Universities, Federal University of Technology, Minna, University of Ilorin and University of Abuja.

    Pantami used the opportunity to launch a book he recently authored with a title, “Skills Rather than Just Degrees.” It was the culmination of the minister’s drive to help equip the Nigerian higher institutions of learning and MSMEs with digital innovation to make young entrepreneurs less dependent on degree certificates.

    Also at the inauguration, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta said the interventions were ambitious.

    He added that the commission “is committed to implementing the various projects and various policies regarding broadband infrastructure in a manner that is ubiquitous.”

  • 2023 Elections: Plots Against Pantami Thickens

    2023 Elections: Plots Against Pantami Thickens

    Over Vice Presidency Slot…

    The hon Minister of communication and digital economy Dr Isa Pantami is yet to have respite following fresh plans by some powerful stakeholders to clamp down on his alleged ambition to become vice president in 2023 general election.

    “In a press release on Thursday, the New Nigeria Renaissance Group said it has intercepted intelligence on the plots for a fresh media war against Dr Pantami.

    Part of the plots includes, the publication of sustained injurious articles against the Minister in order to make him look unsellable to any potential Presidential candidate.

    “This is most regrettable and most never be allowed to see the light of the day”

    “Politicians should learn to play politics with a human face without recourse to destroying people and their hard earned reputation” Comrade Ibrahim Musa said.

    The next general election is two years away, Dr Pantami has not indicated any interest in any elective position in future, he is only focused on digitalising our nation’s economy” why the focus on bringing him down?

    “Why do we put pressure on our best brains who chose to sacrifice for this country? The group queried.

    The group further said a lot of people with the capacity for leadership are not disposed to offering same home because of the toxic environment’ But Dr Pantami offered himself for Service and must be supported rather than destroyed over phantom political ambitions.

    “How can you budget over 80,000 US dollars as a politician just to destroy a fellow compatriots reputation?

    “We urge Nigerians to be on the watch out for more of such evil shenanigans against the the hon Minister of communication and digital economy.

  • Forum of Bishops Lauds Buhari over Pantami

    Forum of Bishops Lauds Buhari over Pantami

    As the controversy surrounding comments credited to Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Ali Pantami, the Forum of Christian Bishops and Clergy Council have lauded President Muhammadu Buhari on his decision to ignore naysayers alleging that those behind the allegations were cabals affected by reforms championed by the Minister.

    The Forum at a solidarity rally carrying placards with various inscriptions declared support for what they it described as President Buhari’s determination to keep the country united.

    The group led by bishop Abel King while speaking at the rally said it became necessary for it to speak out in view of varying opinions expressed over the recent allegations levelled against the Hon Minister of Communications.

    “Mr President through his decision to put the country first, has demonstrated the will to keep us united and not to be swayed by sentiments and outright blackmail” this is quite commendable, Bishop Abel maintained.

    Recall there have been calls for the resignation of Dr Pantami, particularly along religious, political and ethnic lines, if Mr president did not show courage, the country would have lost one of the most brilliant public officers in his administration”

    “We feel that this country should rise above sentiments if we must achieve the unity, peace and development we seek as a people.

    “The idea of giving every national conversation a political and religious colouration must be discouraged at all cost”.

    The group further cautioned against inflammatory statements that are capable of raising tensions among the masses.

    “We can not correct the wrongs of the nation along religious and political permutations.

    “If we look at the reforms in the ICT sector as led by the current administration under Dr Pantami, you will understand that Nigeria need more of such brilliant people in government, we must therefore resist the temptation to weaken the government using sentiments and politics.

    “No doubt, the country losses more if we advance sentiments above facts and good reason”

    “Let Nigeria win first, and we will not win by drumming war songs at every opportunity”

    The group further said , as christians leaders they have embarked on the solidarity and peace walk to reinstate the need for national unity and moral support for leaders in the country.

  • Isa Pantami: Elumelu’s Motion Properly Presented On the Floor -Minority Caucus Replies House Spokesman

    Isa Pantami: Elumelu’s Motion Properly Presented On the Floor -Minority Caucus Replies House Spokesman

    …Caucus Insists On The Resignation of Minister Isa Pantami

    … Calls On House Spokesman To Apologize To The Minority Leader Over His Reckless Statement

    The attention of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has been drawn to a statement by the Chairman of House Committee on Media and Public Affairs/ Spokesman of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, which clearly exposed a sinister intention to misrepresent the rules of the House, mislead the undiscerning public and frustrate genuine effort in the fight against terrorism in our country!

    We find it shocking that instead of standing with Nigerians at this critical moment, Hon. Kalu chose to engage in personal attack on the Minority Leader, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, for pointing to the dangers of retaining in office, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, after reports of the minister’s support for terrorists came to the fore.

    FG cancels N20 USSD NIN retrieval fee

    This is especially after the minister himself admitted to the facts of his sympsthy for violent, extremist and terrorist groups, including, the al-Qaida and Taliban.

    Indeed, Hon. Kalu’s claim that our Minority Leader did not properly present his motion, under an appropriate rule is completely dumb, frivolous and exposes his poor knowledge of the legislative procedures.

    It also points to a deliberate scheme to jeopardize our nation’s fight against terrorism.

    Furthermore, we take a strong exception to Hon. Kalu’s vain posturing of trying to tutor the Minority Leader, a well respected seasoned legislator, on the House Standing Rules and parliamentary convention!

    It is instructive to state that the motion by the Minority Leader calling for the resignation or sack of the Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari was properly presented under the House rules as provided in Order 6: 1,2&3 (Privileges), contrary to claims by Hon. Kalu.

    Order 6:1,2,3 clearly and generously provide for full debate on the issue brought pursuant to it.

    For the avoidance of doubt, while sub-section 2 of the Order 6 provides that “whenever a matter of privilege arises, it shall be taken into consideration immediately”, sub section 3 is clear in providing that whenever a matter of privilege arises, it shall be disposed of and no other issue shall be considered until “the debate on a motion thereon” is adjourned….”.

    Moreover, it is clear that the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, conceded to the appropriateness of the Order, under which the Minority Leader presented his motion, and for that, did not rule him out of order, regarding the presentation of the motion and its consequential prayers.

    Furthermore, the Hon. Speaker, in accepting the motion, announced that the issues raised have been noted.

    It is therefore completely irresponsible for anybody, let alone the spokesperson of the House, who should be abreast of the Rules, to state that the Minority Leader ought to have known better than coming under Order 6.

    His statement is therefore in bad faith and should be disregarded and withdrawn by him immediately.

    Our Caucus will not condone any unwarranted attack on any of our colleagues, let alone the Minority Leader, who is doing very well by speaking the mind of the silent majority of Nigerians, who have no platforms to speak out.

    In any case, we are aware that Hon. Kalu was not in Plenary when the motion was moved. We expected him to have consulted the Rule book before attacking the Minority Leader. For we believe if he had done that, he would have saved the 9th House of Representatives the embarrassment his statement has caused!

    We therefore demand that Hon. Kalu should withdraw his statement and tender an unreserved apology to the Minority Leader and Nigerians for misrepresenting the rules of the House.

    Our caucus, standing with millions of Nigerians, also demands that the Speaker should immediately act on the prayers of the motion, by conveying same as the position of the House to Mr. President, having accepted the appropriateness of the procedure and taken legislative note of the prayers therein.

    As a caucus, we stand behind the Minority Leader in insisting that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, should resign or be removed by President Muhammadu Buhari, as his continued stay in office poses great threat to our national security.

    Insecurity is blind to creed and party colourations and this underscores why the Caucus will resist any attempt by anyone to politicize a clear existential threat to our motherland!

  • Isa Pantami and the concept of Criminal Responsibility under Buhari

    Isa Pantami and the concept of Criminal Responsibility under Buhari

    By Usman Masara Kim, Jos Nigeria

    In many countries, ignorance of the law is never an excuse for an offence. Simply put, a person who does something without realizing its legal implications could still be punished if such an action is against the law.

    A slight exception in West Germany, based on the Federal Court of Justice’s 1952 verdict, states, if a person engages in criminal conduct but is unaware of its criminality, that person cannot be fully charged with a criminal offense. Such a position might apply, maybe not directly but even in countries that still punish for wrongs committed with ignorance of law. However, this is restricted to a number of circumstances.

    It is a universal practice that persons suffering from serious mental disorders should be relieved of the consequences of their criminal conduct. Similarly, persons below adult age are sometimes absolved of criminal responsibility.

    In Algeria for instance, children under the age of 13 can only be sentenced to protection and education measures. In Angola, no person can be held criminally responsible for an offence allegedly committed while under the age of 14. In Cameroon, children younger than 10 years old cannot be held criminally responsible. Cape Verde and Guinea-Bisau have a slightly higher age for criminal responsibility. Persons under the age of 16 cannot be held criminally responsible. Malawi, Mali, Sudan and Mauritania probably have the lowest age for criminal responsibility in Africa. No one under the age of seven in these countries can conclusively be presumed to have the capacity to commit a criminal offence.

    In Nigeria, the federal Children’s Rights Act 2003 does not specify a minimum age of criminal responsibility, but it defines a child as under 18 and states that a child in conflict with the law must be dealt with under the Act. The Children and Young Persons Law defines a child as under 14 and a young person as aged 14-16. It sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at seven but states that children below that age who have allegedly committed a crime must be brought before the Juvenile Court. It provides for special measures for persons under 16 in conflict with the law, but persons older than 16 are tried as adults.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Information Communication Technology, Mr. Isa Pantami has owned up to his past comments and actions, including meetings and preachments in support of, and/or encouraging terrorism. The Muhammadu Buhari Government has also confirmed the acts, which, it says were committed by its Minister when he was in his 20s, a cheering news regardless of one’s standpoint on the controversy.

    Supporters of the Minister will celebrate the Federal Government’s position as standing with him, because he has “rightly apologized for what he said in the early 2000s.” But the statement backing the Minister as released by the Media Adviser to President Buhari, Garba Shehu admits that the Minister’s views were “absolutely unacceptable”, only that he has “publicly and permanently condemned his earlier utterances as wrong.” The question is, does an apology make up for a serious crime as terrorism and murder?

    Section 4 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013 as ammended says Any person who – (a) arranges, manages, assists in arranging or managing, participates in a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, (b) collects, or provides logistics, equipment, information, articles or facilities for a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, or (c) attends a meeting, which in his knowledge is to support a proscribed organisation or to further the objectives of a proscribed organization, commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than twenty years.

    Section 5 of the same Act says (1) Any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicits or renders support – (a) for the commission of an act of terrorism, or Terrorist (b) to a terrorist group, commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than twenty years.

    An attached clarification to subsection (1) defines “support” as – (a) incitement to commit a terrorist act through the internet, or any electronic means or through the use of printed materials or through the dissemination of terrorist information; (b) receipt or provision of material assistance, weapons including biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, explosives, training, transportation, false documentation or identification to terrorists or terrorist groups; (c) receipt or provision of information or moral assistance, including invitation to adhere to a terrorist or terrorist group; (d) entering or remaining in a country for the benefit of, or at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group; or (e) the provision of, or making available, such financial or other related services prohibited under this Act or as may be prescribed by regulations made pursuant to this Act.

    All these fit the person of the Minister based on available records which he has owned up to. His “apologies and renouncement” of the actions are the only reasons he is getting away with the crimes, because “he will not repeat it” as the officials claim. But had he not been in government now, would he really not repeat it? A recent video likely recorded in 2014-2015 shows him raining curses in a public prayer against the former ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, suggesting that had the Party still been in office, Pantami would have remained who he is because there is no record of him renouncing his earlier views except a debate he had with the founder of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf before the group turned violent and Yusuf was executed.

    If age, duration, repentance and apologies make for one’s crime, what then are former Governors Jolly Nyame of Taraba State and Joshua Dariye of Plateau State doing in jail? They were young and inexperienced at the time they committed the crimes for which they are being punished, which are far lesser in gravity to Pantami’s.

    A recent U.N. report warned about both the continued threat posed by Islamic State fighters and the challenges related to the effective prosecution of RETURNED FIGHTERS and those who are financing terrorism. Emma Broches and Julia Solomon-Strauss (2020) in lawfareblog.com report that “the U.S. Department of Justice continues to prosecute individuals involved in terrorism in a number of ways. These new proceedings included charges against an individual who is already incarcerated and a successful push to denaturalize a man convicted of terror charges in advance of his release late last year.” This implies punishing even people already undergoing incarceration, who would have not just learned their lessons and changed but paid for the crimes committed. Some of these convictions were even secured after decades of committing the crimes. Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein and several others are classical examples.

    In nearby Burkina Faso, former president Blaise Compaoré, now in exile in Ivory Coast, will stand trial for the assassination of his predecessor Thomas Sankara, a pan-African icon, during the 1987 coup in which he took power, AFP reports. On April 26, 2012, former Liberian president Charles Taylor was found guilty of abetting horrific war crimes, including rape and mutilation in Sierra Leone between 1991 and 2002. His conviction came over a decade later.

    Isa Pantami, having encouraged many related crimes as an adult in his 20s, few years younger than General Yakubu Gowon when he became Head of State in 1966, should not be exception. But Muhammadu Buhari himself is not totally innocent.

    In 2011, the then opposition leader was quoted as saying if he didn’t win the then Presidential elections, “dogs and baboons would swim in blood.” Anywhere he went for political campaigns at that time, which repeated itself in 2015, violent thugs brandished swords and other deadly weapons behind him. And when he lost the elections to the then sitting President, Goodluck Jonathan, there were killings in at least ten Nigerian states.

    Buhari was also quoted in 2003 as saying Muslims should only vote for Muslims, a likely encouragement for religious fundamentalism. That perhaps explains why Boko Haram allegedly endorsed him before the 2015 Presidential polls.

    Buhari’s inability to end corruption and terrorism as promised before coming to office is also denting his image. To maintain clean record as “man of integrity” therefore, anything that exposes him as a weak and untactful leader is buried with excuses, justifications or direct affront on whosoever is behind it.
    Thus, his former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babacir Lawal was accused of corruption but was protected until irresistible facts were unveiled. His then Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun was also accused of forgery but was protected until daring revelations came through. His Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has owned up to corrupt practices in the past but is still Minister, despite petitions to the National Assembly before his appointment. Same thing applies to former service chiefs and other officials hiding under the President’s “integrity” to escape the law.

    President Buhari should however know that even if he succeeds in planting a successor, he will not be influential forever. The law remains the law and the media does not forget, especially in this era of rapid technological advancements. Whatever he buries today, under whatever guise, being politics or ethnicity, will someday germinate. The law he is using his privileges to suppress today will reclaim its power and hunt him back. Even if it doesn’t come for him directly, a direct or indirect party to a crime is as guilty as the criminal, even if not punished, and reference will always be made to the role he played while in office.

  • Presidency Declares support for Isa Pantami

    Presidency Declares support for Isa Pantami

    The Muhammadu Buhari administration has declared its support for the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, amid calls for his resignation or removal.

    Mr Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, made the position of the government known in a statement on Thursday.

    “The administration stands behind Minister Pantami and all Nigerian citizens to ensure they receive fair treatment, fair prices, and fair protection in ICT services,” he said.

    Pantami was widely criticised recently for the comments he made in the past in support of extremist groups.

    The remarks he was said to have made many years ago sparked debate and controversy just recently, with many calling for his resignation while others called on President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve him of his duties.

    Although the embattled minister has since renounced his comments and said he was a changed person, it was not enough to calm the call for his removal.

    In his reaction, Shehu claimed that Pantami was being subjected to a “cancel campaign” instigated by those who seek his removal.

    According to him, such persons do not really care what he may or may not have said in the past because they will profit should the minister be stopped from making decisions that improve the lives of everyday Nigerians.

    The President’s spokesman stated that Pantami had publicly and permanently condemned his earlier utterances as wrong and would not repeat them.

    Despite the calls for his removal, the minister attended the virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) which was presided by President Muhammadu Buhari On Wednesday.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had told reporters at the end of the meeting that the issue of Pantami’s removal was not discussed.

    Read the statement below:

    STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

    STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENCY ON RECENT CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL ECONOMY

    Today, there is an unfortunate fashion in public discourse that makes leaders in politics, religion, and civil society liable in the present for every statement they have ever made in the past – no matter how long ago, and even after they have later rejected them.

    This insidious phenomenon seeks to cancel the careers of others on the basis of a thing they have said, regardless of when they said it.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is, currently, subject to a “cancel campaign” instigated by those who seek his removal.

    They do not really care what he may or may not have said some 20 years ago: that is merely the instrument they are using to attempt to “cancel” him. But they will profit should he be stopped from making decisions that improve the lives of everyday Nigerians.

    The Minister has, rightly, apologised for what he said in the early 2000s. The views were absolutely unacceptable then, and would be equally unacceptable today, were he to repeat them. But he will not repeat them – for he has publicly and permanently condemned his earlier utterances as wrong.

    In the 2000s, the Minister was a man in his twenties; next year he will be 50. Time has passed, and people and their opinions – often rightly – change.

    But all discerning Nigerians know this manufactured dispute is nothing to do with the Minister’s prior words, but solely concern his actions in the present.

    This Administration is committed to improving the lives of all Nigerians – and that includes ensuring they are not over-charged or under-protected for those services on which modern life depends.

    The Minister has been leading the charge against illegal data deductions and pricing; he has revolutionised the government’s virtual public engagement to respond to COVID-19 and save taxpayers’ money; he has established ICT start-up centres to boost youth entrepreneurship and create jobs; he has changed policy to ensure locally produced ICT content is used by ministries, starting with his own; and he has deregistered some 9.2 million SIMs – ending the ability for criminals and terrorists to flagrantly use mobile networks undetected.

    In two short years, Minister Pantami has driven the contribution of the ICT sector to the GDP to more than 18 percent, making it one of the top two playing a critical role in the emergence of the economy from the COVID 19-induced recession.

    In putting people first, the Minister and this administration have made enemies. There are those in the opposition who see success and want it halted by any means.

    And there is now well-reported information that alleges newspaper editors rebuffed an attempt to financially induce them to run a smear campaign against the minister by some ICT companies, many of which do indeed stand to lose financially through lower prices and greater consumer protections.

    The government is now investigating the veracity behind these claims of attempted inducement, and – should they be found to hold credence – police and judicial action must be expected.

    The Administration stands behind Minister Pantami and all Nigerian citizens to ensure they receive fair treatment, fair prices, and fair protection in ICT services.

    Garba Shehu
    Senior Special Assistant to the President
    (Media & Publicity)
    April 22, 2021

  • I Would Have Resigned If I Was In Pantami’s Situation – Wike

    I Would Have Resigned If I Was In Pantami’s Situation – Wike

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has faulted the continued stay of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    He believes it is unreasonable for the government to allow anyone in a situation such as that of the embattled minister to remain in office.

    The governor made the remarks on Wednesday via his Twitter handle while reacting to the comments said to have been made by Pantami in the past in support of extremist groups.

    Although the minister has renounced the comments, saying he was a changed person, Governor Wike insisted that it was wrong to allow Pantami to continue with his duties as a minister.

    According to him, the minister ought to have relinquished his duties but the situation has worsened because the government does not care.

    The governor stressed that the time when the minister made the comments does not matter, saying they could be described as the germinated seeds that have led to the killing of people.

    He advised Pantami to tender his resignation as minister, adding that he would have done the same if he was in such a situation.

  • Reps Minority Leader Joins Calls For Pantami’s Removal

    Reps Minority Leader Joins Calls For Pantami’s Removal

    The minority leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu has joined calls for the removal or resignation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.

    This is concerning the Minister’s past controversial comments suggesting religious extremism.

    The lawmaker on Wednesday raised the issue as a point of order citing a breach of his privilege.

    He noted that the Minister occupies a very sensitive position and the comments should not be overlooked.

    There have been overwhelming calls for the resignation or sack of the Minister over his pro-Taliban comments.

    In reaction to this, the Minister renounced his radical comments, saying he now knows better but despite this, Nigerians increasingly called for his sack or resignation.

    This led to a trend with the hashtag, #PantamiResignNow on Social media.

    The opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately invite the Minister for questioning and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately sack the minister, “given the sensitivity of the issue at stake.”

  • CSOs investigation knocks out religious extremism allegation against Pantami

    CSOs investigation knocks out religious extremism allegation against Pantami

    An interim report of a committee set up by the Joint Council on Civil Society and Religious Affairs in Nigeria, has cleared the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, of religious extremism allegations levelled against in recent media reports.

    The group gave Pantami a clean bill of health at a press conference addressed by its Chairman, Bishop John Okafor, in Abuja.

    According to Okafor, “we made our independent findings and found the allegations against Dr Isa Pantami as not only untrue but afundamental plot to dampen the image of our dear country before the world.”

    He premised the investigations on the fact that “if as the conscience of the nation, we fail to correct this misconceptions, then we have fundamentally failed in our obligations both to the people and government.”

    The Chairman stated among other things noted “that Dr Pantami as a Sheikh preaches the convictions as laid in the holy islamic literature same we do to according to the Bible.

    “The council also found out that the allegations had been a target on both the person of the Minister and the image of the country.

    “The council also found out that Dr Pantami at no time had any personal link with any extremist both as a Sheikh and public official,” Okafor told reporters at the press conference.

    He pointed out that handiwork of “interested stakeholders who are affected by the novel reforms in the telecommunication sector under the supervision of Dr Pantami.”

    In this vein, the Joint Council on Civil Society and Religious Affairs in Nigeria based on “this findings has unanimously recommended a vote of confidence on the person of Dr Pantami and appeal for moral support to public officials so to have a basis to hold them accountable.”