The Peoples Democratic Party PDP has joined other Nigerians in asking President Muhammadu Buhari to fire Isa Pantami, Digital Economy and Communications Minister.
The opposition party in a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Olugbondiyan, also called the self-styled Department of State Services (DSS) to question Mr Pantami.
The media recently beamed its searchlight on the communication chief unearthing his past comments with regards to support for foreign terrorist groups, including Boko Haram which he decried were being killed like pigs when former president Goodluck Jonathan held sway.
He also exclaimed being happy whenever non-muslims were killed. Reacting, Mr Pantami renounced his past support for terrorists, saying he did so when he was immature.
For the PDP, there is need to remove the minister who has been at the forefront of enforcing the linkage of National Identity Number (NIN) to Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) which the regime said was meant to track down terrorists.
“Our party’s position is predicated on the heightening concerns in the public space and in the international arena of possible compromises by the communication minister, who has access to sensitive government documents and information, in addition to data of all individuals including high profile personalities in the public and private sectors as well as the traditional and faith-based circles,” the party said on Sunday.
“The PDP is particularly worried about allegations in the public suggesting that the minister compromised the NIN registration exercise by giving room for the registration of aliens and invaders from other countries as our citizens.
“The party tasks the DSS to investigate the allegation, which has created apprehension, particularly given the rise in banditry and other terrorists activities in our country.
“The PDP urges Nigerians to remain at alert and very sensitive to their environment, while not hesitating in providing useful information to our security agencies in the interest of our nation,” it added.
