CSOs Ask Buhari To Reject Calls For Pantami’s Sack

The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance said the ongoing call and social media campaign for the sacking of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, is a well funded program aimed at heightening insecurity in the country.

The coalition stated that the individuals have continued to profit from the security challenges, being experienced in some parts of the country.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, 20th April 2021, the coordinator of the Coalition, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, which is an amalgamation of various Civil Society organizations, said it is alarmed, by the sustained campaign against Pantami.

The coalition described Pantami as a principled, innovative and a key member of the team of the incumbent administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ihekaire said: “We are forced to publicly condemn the ongoing well coordinated campaign of calumny against Dr. Pantami, by those, whom we have discovered, are opposed, not only to the digital revolution of our economy, but also the efforts of the ministry, under his Leadership, particularly the compulsory National Identification Number NIN, which these unpatriotic Nigerians, have exploited over the years to fester insecurity in the country, when the use of mobile telecommunication devices, became a veritable tool for kidnappers, terrorists and other criminals, who operates under the cover of being anonymous to perpetrate evil unhindered.

“We dare say that Dr. Isa Pantami’s sincere admission of once holding views, which were supposedly is support of some radical groups, during his growing up years, is an unusual display of sincerity, patriotism and we see this, has a welcome step.

“Dr Pantami’s great work and output at the ministry of digital economy where he took a Ministry that was sleeping and upgraded it to a 21st century Ministry, have become mitigating factors, against the expectations of those who are patrons of terror groups and their accomplices in the telecom business, who have over the years, profited from the insecurities being faced by our people.”

The group further asked President Muhammadu Buhari, to disregard the campaign against Dr Pantami, and not allow the government to be misled by those it described as selfish