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Isa Pantami: Nigerian minister haunted by his extremist views, by BBC

Published

4 years ago

April 25, 2021

Nigeria’s presidency says it “stands behind” an embattled minister facing calls for his resignation after extreme Islamist views he held in the past recently came to light.

Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, and also a renowned Muslim cleric, expressed views sympathetic to groups such as al-Qaeda and Boko Haram.

In one sermon from the 2000s, he said he considered al-Qaeda founder, Osama Bin Laden, a better Muslim than himself, and in another, he said he was happy when infidels were massacred.

Recordings of him expressing these views began circulating on social media last week, leading to calls for his resignation or sacking by President Muhammadu Buhari.

But in its first reaction since the saga began, presidential spokesman Garba Shehu said the minister was being “subjected to a ‘cancel campaign'”.

“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”, the statement said.

The minister also attempted to renounce his past views at the weekend, telling a local newspaper that some of the comments were based on his “understanding of religious issues at the time” and that he has changed several positions “based on new evidence and maturity”.

But that has not stopped calls for his sacking or resignation with many using the #PantamiMustGo hashtag on Twitter to express concerns over his access to sensitive data as the minister of communications.

He has also been defended under the #PantamiMustStay hashtag as the issue exposed the religious and ethnic lines in this multi-ethnic country.

What exactly did Mr Pantami say?

There has been a steady stream of new evidence of the views he held in the past and the latest are documents that appeared online on Wednesday.

The documents are purportedly from a 2010 meeting he chaired at the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), a top Islamic body, where it was agreed that Christians should be prohibited from building churches in city centres across northern Nigeria, which has a majority Muslim population although millions of Christians also live there.

Audio and video recordings have also emerged of Mr Pantami’s fiery prayers and sermons at different stages of his career as an imam. In one sermon after there had been a deadly religious conflict and tensions were still high in Shendam, Plateau state, he volunteered to lead Muslims back to their homes, saying that he was willing to die in the process.

In a 2006 speech, Mr Pantami publicly offered his condolences after the death of al-Qaeda’s leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

In one audio clip, where he talks about the Nigerian army’s war against Boko Haram, he appears to be on the verge of tears as he passionately describes the militants as “our Muslim brothers” who did not deserve to be “killed like pigs”.

In another audio recording, he declares he is always happy when infidels are massacred.

He has not denied the authenticity of these texts, audio and video clips.

What did the government say?

Nigerians had been waiting for a reaction from the government and it came via a presidential spokesman on Thursday.

Garba Shehu, who speaks for President Buhari, said the administration “stands behind Minister Pantami.”

“The Minister has, rightly, apologized 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,” he said in a statement which he also shared on his Twitter account:

But critics have pointed out that the minister was already in his 30s when most of his controversial statements were made and so, was fully aware of the ramifications.

The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) tried to debate Mr Pantami’s views in the House of Representatives on Wednesday but it was blocked by the ruling party.

Why are these views just coming to light?

It began as a rumour last week when a local newspaper reported that Mr Pantami had been placed on a US watch list for his alleged links to terrorism.

There has been no confirmation from the US and Mr Pantami threatened to sue the newspaper and others that carried the reports, leading to a retraction and an apology.

But since then a series of audio and video clips of Mr Pantami making inflammatory comments have been posted on social media.

There has also been extensive reports by Nigerian online newspaper Peoples Gazette.

An old Wikileaks document citing a US diplomatic cable of Mr Pantami being thrown out of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi state, and from a mosque in Gombe for preaching inflammatory rhetoric, have also been re-circulated.

There was also social media posts about his time at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University where Mr Pantami, as cleric of a local mosque, was accused of instigating the gruesome murder of a Christian student leader who preached on the campus.

Mr Pantami has denied these accusations and also said that he was never dismissed from the university.

He told local newspaper, Premium Times, that people opposed to the introduction of a compulsory national identification number, which would be needed to get a mobile phone number, were the ones attacking him.

Who is Isa Pantami?

*The 48-year-old is currently Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy

*Was formerly head of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

*From Gombe State in north-eastern Nigeria where he began his education at the Quranic Tsangaya schools popularly known as almajiri

*Obtained a PhD from Robert Gordon University, Scotland but was also schooled in Saudi Arabia

*He is chief Imam at the popular Al Mannar mosque in Abuja where he still leads annual teachings during the Ramadan fast.

Why are some Nigerians so worried about Pantami?

As head of the communications ministry, he oversees agencies responsible for databases of Nigerians and expatriates in the country.

Some people have expressed concerns that a minister with past sympathy for Islamist militant groups has access to such critical data.

Mr Pantami also oversees the web infrastructure for most government ministries and agencies, armed forces, intelligence agencies, and Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure that provides communications and navigation support for the air force.

The backlash he is facing seems to be largely on social media.

Offline, ordinary Nigerians are less concerned about the minister’s past views and he has received support from Muslim groups in the North, many of whom do not share his past extreme views but say his apology is proof he is a changed man.

-BBC

metro

New terror group now operating in Kebbi, Sokoto – Defence HQ

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2024

Trends Admin

New terror group now operating in Kebbi, Sokoto – Defence HQ

The Nigerian Military has said that a new terror group has been identified in the country.

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday morning said the group is in operation in Kebbi and Sokoto States.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, revealed that this group is affiliated with jihadi organizations in Mali and Niger.

New terror group now operating in Kebbi, Sokoto – Defence HQ

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A Life of Impact: Celebrating Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole

Published

2 weeks ago

November 1, 2024

Trends Admin

A Life of Impact: Celebrating Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole

BY SAKA GBEMINIYI

Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole, a remarkable woman, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. Although she may not have had formal education, her wisdom, kindness, and entrepreneurial spirit inspired countless individuals.

Her passing leaves a void, but her legacy endures.

Born into a humble family, Alhaja Fausat’s determination and resilience shaped her future. She started very early in life as she ventured into business, leveraging her natural talent for herbal remedies.

Her expertise in traditional medicine earned her respect and recognition within her community.

As a recognition of her commitment to her profession, she was in 2019 honoured as APESIN of Alagbo of Ibadanland by her professional body.

Her successful business acumen provided for her family and created endless opportunities for others.

Alhaja Fausat’s commitment to community service was unwavering. As a dedicated member of the Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, she actively participated in various charitable initiatives.

Her selflessness and generosity inspired others to follow suit. She provided support to the less fortunate, offering guidance, shelter, and financial assistance whenever needed.

And as a mark of honour, the Oyo State chapter of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria took over her burial and ensured that all Islamic injunctions pertaining to burial were dutifully carried out.

As a mother, her greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a loving husband, Alhaji Abdu Waheed Bankole and children among whom are Mogaji (Alhaji) Abdu Akeem Adewale Bankole, Mr Sharafadeen Adebayo Bankole, Mrs. Ahmad Amidat Olaide and Mrs. Rufai Rukayat Adeola. Her grandchildren affectionately called her Grandma or Iya Agbo.

Her death will for very long time remained a mystery to some of her acquaintances as nobody expected her to leave at the time left.

Alhaja Fausat passed away at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after a brief illness surrounded by loved ones and family members (both nuclear and extended).

The outpouring of love and respect was evident during the 8th day Fidau prayers, held at Aweni Arena, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects, sharing stories of Alhaja Fausat’s kindness, generosity, and impact.

Those who knew Alhaja Fausat described her as a pillar of strength, wisdom and a generous benefactor to her community.

Her legacy extends beyond her immediate family. She touched the lives of countless individuals through her business, community service, and kindness.

Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole’s life serves as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and compassion.

Rest in peace, Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole. Your life was a blessing to many, and your memory will continue to inspire generations to come.

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NAJA commended, holds training on CNG initiative Thursday

Published

2 weeks ago

October 28, 2024

Trends Admin

NAJA commended, holds training on CNG initiative Thursday

The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) will this Thursday October 31, 2024 holds a training/capacity building workshop on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel for vehicles in Nigeria.

Already, key stakeholders in the Nigerian automobile industry have commended the association for its initiative to organise the workshop.

The one-day training is slated for Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) building, Ikeja, under the theme: CNG/LPG/EV Initiative: Challenges, Sustainability, Opportunities, Alternative to Fossil Fuels in Nigeria’.

Some of the industry stakeholders said NAJA was showing the lead in the auto industry by propagating the government’s initiative, which they noted would bring succour to motorists and Nigerians in general.

Managing Director, Jet Systems Limited, Mr. Derek Ewelukwa, said the training and capacity building on the CNG initiative was timely.

He spoke in an interaction with the training committee, saying that by holding the workshop, NAJA was taking an important step in helping the public and key stakeholders to better understand the government’s CNG initiative.

He insisted that auto journalists as a vehicle of information dissemination and a channel of enlightenment, play a critical role in breaking down complex issues like the CNG initiative, stressing that through this platform, the media was helping to promote greater awareness and acceptance of cleaner energy options.

He enjoined other beat associations to emulate NAJA in propagating government schemes.

Ewelukwa said, “We want the public to understand the benefits of transitioning to CNG, as an alternative fuel to petrol and diesel, particularly in terms of cost savings, environmental impact, and energy sustainability.

“A key part of our participation, we will focus on addressing safety concerns and skepticism about the use of CNG, especially with fears surrounding gas explosions and/or fires.

“We will aim to educate and clarify that CNG systems are rigorously tested and designed with strict safety standards, making them a safe and reliable alternative.”

In his comment, Operations Manager, Mikano Motors, Mr. Syam Abdul-Kadir, said that the training would further bring to the fore necessary steps required by all; government, stakeholders and the public to make the new initiative work.

Abdul-Kadir also lauded the leadership of NAJA and its members for embracing the initiative, stressing that it would go a long way in boosting its public acceptance.

He maintained that as a new development, sensitising and educating the public with accurate and factual information was key.

He posited that by sharing the facts and statistics with the public, the company also intended to prevent a widespread fear of the unknown and provide them with renewed hope for a better Nigeria.

He added, “everybody is a stakeholder, whether you choose to use CNG powered vehicles or not, the CNG initiative on transportation will support the ease-of-doing business. It also has less emissions than fuel, so everyone is impacted”.

“It is critical to emphasize that all stakeholders need to be aware that the correct certifications and adherence to global standards for CNG use must be implemented. From the appropriate certified tanks and parts to the correct standards for dispensing, the goal is to encourage the use of CNG vehicles correctly.”

Chairman of the 2024 Annual Training/Capacity Building Workshop Committee, Adrian Egonu, said through the training in the past, many members of the auto journalists’ association had enhanced their knowledge base of the industry.

He explained that NAJA was intentional with the 2024 theme, noting that the Federal Government in the last 16 months had taken some giant steps to promote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Electric Vehicles (EV), in line with global best practices for cleaner burning automotive fuels.

Egonu said that the 2024 edition would further ensure improved knowledge and skills of the journalists and commended sponsors for partnering with the association in its drive to contribute to the auto industry not just in Nigeria, but around the world.

He declared that the training would afford industry investors and sponsors the opportunity to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.

Chairman NAJA, Mike Ochonma, in his comment, commended the sponsors and partners for associating with NAJA.

He stressed that NAJA as the fourth estate of the realm would continue to play its critical roles of information, education and opinion molding without bias.

Other industry leaders that have confirmed participation include, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), C

FAO Mobility, Fixit45 Limited and Pi-CNG.