The media has been awash with news of the extremist views of Nigeria’s minister for information and digital economy, Dr. Isa Pantami. According to reports, the minister has an agenda to Islamize the country. He is alleged to be a ‘’supporter of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, as well as an instigator of deadly religious crises in Northern Nigeria.’’
In a comprehensive research by investigative journalist, David Hundeyin, he exposed the minister from statements he made in 2006 to his recent actions. Current investigations also revealed a man whose disdain for non-Muslims speaks volume.
Meanwhile, he has also been linked with the death of the first Christian Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa and a student of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Sunday Achi.
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Achi was stoned to death by some Muslim students who were spurred by Pantami who was then the chief Imam of the university’s mosque. Many other accusations rest on him and he responds – debunking some and dodging others.
Pantami responds to his 2006 public lecture
On September 12, 2006, Pantami delivered a public lecture in Bauchi titled ‘’Suwaye Yan Taliban’’ (‘’Who Are The Taliban?). Amongst other issues he addressed, he constantly referred to non-Muslims as kafuri (infidels). Initially, he denied the allegations till the audio recording was found on the internet, causing outrage amongst many Nigerians.
Despite the audio interpretation, the minister said that the translator did not understand native Hausa correctly and his words were misinterpreted. However, after a breakdown of the lecture in English language, Pantami came up with a defense.
In a Ramadan lecture at Annor Mosque in Abuja on Saturday April 17, 2021, Pantami said;
‘’Some of the comments I made some years ago that are generating controversies now were based on my understanding of religious issues at the time, and I have changed several positions taken in the past based on new evidence and maturity.
‘’I was young when I made some of the comments; I was in university. Some of the comments were made when I was a teenager. I started preaching when I was 13. Many scholars and individuals did not understand some of the international events and therefore took some positions based on their understanding. Some have come to change their position later.’’
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This is a response to questions about his jihadist preaching. It is pertinent to note that the minister was 33 years old when he made the statements in 2006. Hence, he was fully aware of all he said and his intentions were clearly stated.
Nigerians call for his resignation
So far, there has been a widespread call for the resignation of Pantami. Besides, President Muhammadu Buhari has been asked to sack him. On Wednesday, April 21, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, urged the House to demand the resignation or sacking of Pantami. This was because of his support for the activities of jihadist leaders and deadly Islamic sects.
Another leader who has spoken against the actions of the minister is Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
Furthermore, many people believe that the pressure on Nigerians to register for (National Identification Number (NIN) may be due to the fact that the communications and digital economy minister has some hidden agenda. The people no longer have faith in him and they demand his sack.
Religion is a powerful tool of influence. While some persons make positive impact through it, others use it to cause mayhem. Extremists are on the increase and it is necessary that the relevant authorities swing into action to curb this menace.
For a secular nation like Nigeria, religious extremism is a threat to its peace and growth. It is therefore important that leaders are neutral and unbiased in discharging their duties.
Time will tell if the Buhari administration will yield to the pressure being applied by relevant individuals and groups nationwide for Pantami to be sacked.
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