Buhari Breaks Silence and Shows his Support for Pantami
Buhari breaks the silence and shows his support for Pantami over the allegations Nigerians levelled against the minister for having religious extremist views.
President Muhammadu Buhari has finally responded to the backlash against the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.
Buhari declared that he fully supported Pantami despite the backlash from Nigerians.
Pantami was recently accused of having connections to terrorists organisations like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban due to his past radical preachings.
Based on his past actions, Nigerians have been calling for his sack and prosecution.
Pantami, however, kept his distance from such extremist groups.
He also affirmed that he did in fact make those controversial comments but claimed his perception has changed because he is now older and wiser.
Responding to the persecution of the minister, Buhari rebuked Nigerians for their harsh disposition towards Pantami and some public officials.
He said this in a statement signed by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
The statement reads: “Today, there is an unfortunate fashion in public discourse that makes leaders in politics, religion, and civil society accountable in the present for every statement they have ever made in the past – no matter how long ago, and even after they have later parted with them.
“This crafty phenomenon seeks to end the careers of others on the basis of a thing they have said, regardless of when it was said.”
“The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is, currently, subject to a “cancel campaign” orchestrated by those who seek his removal. They couldn’t care less about what he said or did not say some 20 years ago: that is majorly the instrument they are using to attempt to remove him. But what will they profit if he is stopped from making decisions that improve the lives of everyday Nigerians?
“The Minister has given a public apology for what he said in the early 2000s. The views were absolutely unacceptable then and would be equally unacceptable today if he were to repeat them. But he will surely not repeat them because 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 also change.
“But all wise Nigerians know this orchestrated dispute has nothing to do with the Minister’s prior words, but solely have more to do with his actions in the present.
“This Administration is focused on 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 revolutionized the government’s virtual public engagement to respond to COVID-19 and save taxpayers’ money.