The past deeds of Isa Pantami, Digital Economy and Communications Minister, has come to hunt him as Nigerians are demanding his removal from office.
Before his current position as minister, Mr Pantami, an Islamic cleric, had berated his colleagues who went into politics and took political appointments.
In a video clip shot in the 2000s but began trending on social media yesterday, the minister was seen criticising his fellow cleric for going into but did not reject the offer when President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him into his current position, an act that forced many to describe him as a hypocrite.
In veil reference, the minister was also reported to have expressed satisfaction at the killing of Christians which is still ongoing, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
He had also declared support for terrorist groups like Al-Queda and the Taliban though he has kicked against Boko Haram which is similar to the two foreign terror groups.
Early Friday morning, the hashtag #PantamiResign began trending particularly on Twitter. He is not the first minister of the president whose past deeds hunted down. Kemi Adeosun, former finance minister suffered similar fate.
Mrs Adeosun, exposed for forging her academic credentials in 2018, was forced to resign her position months after the scandal.
Below are some of the reactions picked by this reporter.
Hello world!! Nigeria communication minister Dr. Ali Isa Patami's is a terrorist sympathizer!! He declared his support for Al-Qaeda, Taliban and Jihad. He is the one in charge of our database! #PantamiResign
— Son of Oluyole (@SonofOluyole) April 16, 2021
If pantami is our minister incharge of our communication, it means shakau can also be appointed to man a sensitive position in Nigeria one day. #PantamiResign
— Taqueen (@taqueenobi) April 16, 2021
I have been wondering how the man in question got to become a minister ….. Nigeria matter don tire me #PantamiResign
— #AFCON2023 (@real_nivlek) April 16, 2021
This govt neglect's the voice of the masses many times despite evidences #PantamiResign
— ????UCHENNA???? (@Bcliffzzz) April 16, 2021
So our national assembly let such a man scale screening! Wonderful! #PantamiResign
— Ezeki ☯️???????? (@RealEzeki) April 16, 2021
The Pantami case points out "ONE THING"
The uselessness of the DSS
So during the background check's,they missed all this????????#PantamiResign #PantamiIsATerrorist pic.twitter.com/QfkxT1DbcX— MASON's DAD???????? (@IAMVINTAGE4) April 16, 2021
This Pantami issue is far more serious than we treat it to be. I had this nightmare last night where Boko Haram had the data and location details of every single Nigerian, including the president. Pantami has to resign and answer the law. We're in danger!! #PantamiResign
— Mifan59 (@mifan542) April 16, 2021
Has pantami being sacked already or is our government in support of Al-Queda #PantamiResign
— Mr. Kindman (@ijesaboi) April 16, 2021
Why are we waiting for Isa Pantami to "renounce" extremist views? These guys do not hit their hands on their butt and renounce, it is not a habit one drops.
Pantami has to resign and face charges. "I renounce" does not bring back people Boko Boys have killed. #PantamiResign
— Asoegwu (@iamfearlessking) April 16, 2021
https://twitter.com/Oluwapelumi_SA/status/1382953925012299777?s=20
ISIS, Taliban and other terrorists group kill people and distabilizes their region n Govt just like Boko Haram so if Pantami says he supports the distabilising of other Nation I can also tell u dat somewhere in his heart he supporting the distabilization of Nigeria #PantamiResign
— IRORO WISDOM MUDE (@Wisdommude) April 16, 2021
