The calls for the resignation of Dr. Isa Ali Pantami have continued to rise, days after publications brought to the fore the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy’s past extreme religious views.
On Sunday, many Nigerians took to social media, calling for the minister’s resignation, a drive that gained momentum on Saturday when Mr. Pantami for the first time acknowledged his past views but noted that he has since renounced those radical assertions.
According to Pantami, the past radical ideas he was championing were due to age, immaturity, and limited knowledge. This excuse however has not calmed the Twitter storm which is threatening to sweep him from office.
Below are some reactions called from Twitter where Nigerians are calling for the minister’s resignation.
“I was young when I made some of the comments; I was in university, some of the comments were made when I was a teenager.” – Isa Pantami
This is not about age. I was once a teenager too – and I never supported killing people of different religions or beliefs. #PantamiResignNow
— Ayo Sogunro (@ayosogunro) April 18, 2021
Now that Isa Pantami has renounced his extremist ideology, he should do the right thing and resign from office.
If he truly wants to make up for his past, he should continue the work of engaging and de-radicalising young jihadis, not handle national affairs. #PantamiResignNow
— Ayo Sogunro (@ayosogunro) April 18, 2021
Today is 18th of April, 2021 and Isa Pantami, Al-Qaeda sympathizer and Osama Bin Laden’s supporter is still the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.#PantamiResignNow
— Ayemojubar (@ayemojubar) April 18, 2021
Apology is not enough. If we are a serious Nation, Pantami should be sacked and then charged to court. Take a look at number (5) of the terrorism prevention act.
#PantamiResignNow pic.twitter.com/hY8lVNgrM9— Emma ik Umeh (Tcee )🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) April 18, 2021
Today is another day to remind us that an Al-Qaeda sympathizer and Osama Bin Laden’s supporter should never be our comm Minister.
He can never be trusted with personal contact details of ‘Enemies of Allah’
#PantamiResignNow— Richard (@chocozhere) April 18, 2021
Kemi Adeosun resigned over forgery.
Stella Oduah resigned over corruption allegations.
Everyone condemned them and non asked for forgiveness to continue as a minister.
Pantami ‘s case won’t be different.
A supporter of Taliban and al-quaeda. #PantamiResignNow
— ONYEDIKACHUKWU ANAMBRA (@OnyedikaAnambra) April 18, 2021
#PantamiResignNow
Once a terrorist always a terrorist. It’s an ideology thing. pic.twitter.com/b2gTO2JSVD— Dokun Ojomo (@DokunOjomo) April 18, 2021
1. The fact that Sheikh Isa Pantami only saw it fit to accept he made radical inciting statements in the past & renounce them, only after Farooq Kperogi wrote his article saying; “Pantami is my friend, but he can’t be defend,” should worry everyone. #PantamiResignNow. pic.twitter.com/gyiy1yrUbR
— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) April 18, 2021
How possible is it that the major press that didn’t report @DavidHundeyin exposè on the terroristic leaning of Isa pandemic are now the ones reporting that he has Recanted and repented.
We will all benefit or regret from the kind of society we build. #PantamiResignNow
— Solomon ‘Know-a-guy’ (@iOSlegal) April 18, 2021
Do you guys know why the US stopped sharing intelligent report to Nigeria?
Because within hours, Boko Haram would know.#PantamiResignNow
— Anambra 1st son💭 (@UchePOkoye) April 18, 2021
Few wks ago I unapologetically stated on this street that Nigeria is being Governed by TERRORISTS, some scallywags came calling me names but today I have been vindicated by Pantami’s admittance to the crime of Terrorism a capital offence in all sane climes.#PantamiResignNow
— Comr. Steven Kefas 🇳🇬 (@SKefason) April 18, 2021
We can’t allow them continue trending #PantamiResignNow Retweet this tweet Aggressively and Reply with the hashtag #PantamiWillStay 🙏❤💯 pic.twitter.com/no0pRonebx
— M A L L A M 👳R E T W E ET (@MallamRetweet) April 18, 2021
Good morning.
Today, I shall be releasing a number of recordings taken from @DrIsaPantami‘s “Suwaye Yan Taliban” lecture on September 12, 2006, translated and subtitled by a native Hausa speaker.
Here is a sneak preview. pic.twitter.com/kKAv8X9Og8
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) April 18, 2021
Yesterday, @DrIsaPantami “renounced” his abhorrent Islamic extremist views, which he openly and repeatedly expressed for more than a decade.
In my upcoming story on @NewsWireNGR, I will provide evidence showing that as usual, he is lying through his teeth.#PantamiResignNow
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) April 18, 2021
When GEJ a Southerner was President, this same Pantami was seen publicly inciting people in mosques and even shading crocodile tears that Northerners are being killed.
Today worse is happening but your cleric doesn’t give a damn because he is minister.#PantamiResignNow— Comr. Steven Kefas 🇳🇬 (@SKefason) April 18, 2021
People called for resignation of Pantami with enough evidences to prove he’s a potential threat to the country and doesn’t fit to service as a minister anymore, and all you could say is “We should go and link our NIN and SIM”.
Even a cow can’t sink this low.#PantamiResignNow
— Ayemojubar (@ayemojubar) April 18, 2021
With the terrorism controversies surrounding Isa Pantami. We can’t be sure if he has not been linking data to Boko Haram. Taliban and al-Qaeda. It’s foolish of him to say. He was young when supporting terrorism. I’m still young & I know terrorism is wrong. #PantamiResignNow
— IFA FUNSHO (@funshographix) April 18, 2021
I was on the Governing Council of ATBU, Bauchi. Pantami was the initiator of several fatal religious flare ups @ Bauchi. He was even kicked out of ATBU Mosque for his inciting sermons. His staying on further divides Nigeria! #PantamiResignNow#PantamiWillStay
— Class_Master (@RayMorphy) April 17, 2021
If @DrIsaPantami can renounce his views and still keep his job , we definitely shld make Evans the kidnapper chief of defense staff since he regrets his action then. A Govt of insurgents apologists fighting insurgency. How cool is that ? 🤷🏽♂️#PantamiResignNow
— OSHOMAh (@JohnNetworQ) April 17, 2021
Keep standing with him, when the table turns upsidedown you will fall together. #PantamiResignNow https://t.co/tD5G7x7eAz
— Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar (@jrnaib2) April 17, 2021
We seem to have moved from
I-will-sue-for-character-defamation to I-have-renounced-I-am-now-mature
Dude,Maturity behoves that you carry your load & go,sin no more
Not impressed!#PantamiResignNow
— Portharcourt 2nd Son (@Polymat43955419) April 17, 2021
My only problem with Pantami is how he deceived us by showing his fake concern over Boko Haram killings during Good-Luck Jonathan’s tenure, but today B/Haram, Banditry and kidnapping is a normal thing in Arewa and Pantami is no longer crying. #PantamiResignNow
— Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar (@jrnaib2) April 17, 2021
Let’s pack Pantami’s sycophancy aside, can someone list one thing has Pantami achieved since when he became minister???
Base on my experience, telecommunication in Nigeria has never been as poor as its right now under Pantami. #PantamiResignNow
— Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar (@jrnaib2) April 17, 2021
Those who starts the trend of #PantamiWillStay says we’re hating isa pantami because he’s a Muslim. He just admitted that he was not mature when he supports Taliban & al-Qaeda. In a sane country he would have been sacked & jail by now instead of saying #PantamiResignNow.
— IFA FUNSHO (@funshographix) April 17, 2021
As you’re making a hashtags for me #PantamiResignNow try and link your NIN to your sim, because any moment from now on I’ll disconnect your line,you might not get any means to create hashtags.
Stay safe #PantamiWillStay pic.twitter.com/h1AdBjl9U4— Queen À’isha (@Aishajajere11) April 17, 2021
Years to come, this one will still tell us he was young when he made this statement. #PantamiResign #PantamiResignNow #PantamiIsATerrorist pic.twitter.com/DWEBu2zRw4
— Voice Of Sanity (@OsankwaNimble) April 18, 2021
He is the best performing minister but they don’t like him because he is Muslim. #PantamiResignNow pic.twitter.com/5wjNNewmDE
— EMBEE (@AhmerdMB) April 18, 2021
D hypocrisy of Northern Nigeria where I come from is legendary.
I remember how we campaigned vigorously for d resignation of Kemi Adeosun over some forged NYSC certificate but now see hw ‘we’ are defending Pantami who has confessed to loving global Terrorists.#PantamiResignNow
— Comr. Steven Kefas 🇳🇬 (@SKefason) April 18, 2021
The Official Twitter Handle of the Federal Ministry of Communication @Fmohnigeria is running a PR for @DrIsaPantami with the hashtag #PantamiWillStay
and #PantamiwillnotResign.A Terrorist sympathizer is a Terrorist. #PantamiResign #PantamiResignNow #PrincePhilipfuneral pic.twitter.com/tJSR4kKJ07
— Ifemosu Michael Adewale ✊💡❤🦍 (@ifemosumichael) April 17, 2021
Poverty won’t kill some Northern Youths but #PantamiResign #PantamiIsATerrorist #PantamiResignNow
Retweet if you are agree with me.— names (@Samson16431231) April 17, 2021
Pantami has now renounced his extremist views? Logically, that is an admission of guilt — that he’s an extremist.
The honourable thing to do now is for him to resign. Failure, we’ll force him out of office by mass action. It is the patriotic thing to do. #PantamiResignNow
— FESTUS OGUN (@mrfestusogun) April 17, 2021
In summary, Isa Pantami is a deradicalized Boko haram, Taliban and Al Qaeda apologist?
Isn’t it?It will never be better for any Yoruba man or woman shouting one indivisible Nigeria.#PantamiResignNow
Aare Kurunmi Kakanfo
— Yoruba Nation (@OdudwaRepublic) April 18, 2021
See, If this guy doesn’t resign.. I’m arming myself!
We only die once!#PantamiResignNow pic.twitter.com/gcBPNo1tRG— Anambra 1st son💭 (@UchePOkoye) April 18, 2021
According to Farooq Kperogi, Dr Pantami has washed away every stain of supporting terrorism and extremism because of the many educational qualifications he has achieved within the time frame but Prof Osibanjo with his own qualification is seen as an extremist #PantamiResignNow
— Uwaya Isimemen (@Uwayaisi) April 17, 2021
Nigerian’s have a terrorist in their government 🌚.
The devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know, at least Nigerians know him #PantamiResignNow
— Prince _ obayemi 🇳🇬🇮🇹🇫🇷 (@bamitekodaniels) April 18, 2021
How can a renowned Jihadist be given such a high profile sensitive portfolio? Why should @MBuhari appoint such a character? What is DSS @nassnigeria doing? @DrIsaPantami should resign with immediate effect! He is dangerous. #PantamiResignNow
— Christine Orji (@christalsplace) April 18, 2021
This is who he is. He wants everyone who is not a Muslim dead, just osama bin laden. #PantamiResignNow
— Menkiti Vincent (@VincentMenkiti) April 18, 2021
With those comments he made in support of BHaram and Al-Qaeda Nigeria’s national data bank is no longer safe and secured in his hands.#PantamiResignNow
— Oloyede Israel (@OloyedeIsrael1) April 18, 2021
He needs rehabilitation too.#PantamiResignNow https://t.co/UuhQDFfIdN
— Richard (@Richardingz) April 18, 2021
How are we sure he has changed?
He should be suspended until we are sure of his change.
For now, our data is at risk.#PantamiResignNow— Richard (@Richardingz) April 18, 2021
It is really troubling when people with extremist ideologies are in charge of sensitive national data.#PantamiResignNow #PantamiMustGo
— Faith Oduwa (@Oduware7) April 18, 2021
A minister of communication under the leadership of president Buhari is a known terrorist with fact and till this day he’s still in office, If kemi adeosun resign you have no reason to remain in office Dr pantami #PantamiResignNow
— Bola (@kom_bol) April 18, 2021
I just felt pity for Nigeria influencers that sold their souls with stipends just to tweet against #PantamiResignNow the will of righteousness still stand uplifted, #PantamiResignNow is trending… Can he be shamed if persistence is done to make this work. Let him be shame
— Ajepako Hustler (@AjepakoH) April 18, 2021
If the Buhari’s govt is so keen on retaining Pantami, he should consider making him the head of hajj commissions and not an agency as sensitive as the Ministry of Communication.#PantamiResignNow
— Richard (@Richardingz) April 18, 2021
First they claimed he’s not on any terrorism watchlist, then they tried paying influencers to launder his image.
We can all recall a certain Buhari telling us he’s now a reformed democrat, but came and reversed all the progress we’ve made in our democracy.#PantamiResignNow— Richard (@Richardingz) April 18, 2021
What Nigerians are simply saying is that an Al-Qaeda sympathizer can’t be trusted as a Communication Minister, have access to sensitive informations of the federal republic of Nigeria.#PantamiResignNow
— TheHeartBreaker (@fiemik) April 18, 2021
I have not read anything from @GarShehu on this #PantamiResignNow matter. We all know he his allegiance lies. Imagine a Govt being BH sympathizer, why do you expect insurgency to end. This same @DrIsaPantami heads our communication ministry.
— #EndSARS✊ (@Gasam101) April 18, 2021
Why’re professors,SANS behaving like illiterates? Who’s going to liberate Nigeria from al that’s going on? No regard for human life. A whole minister supported a known terrorist dat killed over 2300 people & DSS look away
USDT Osama Bin Laden Seyi Shay #Crypto #PantamiResignNow
— ASIWAJU OF OSUN STATE 🧠 Don’t reform Endsars (@Aremoguccy) April 18, 2021
“I was young when I made some of the comments; I was in university, some of the comments were made when I was a teenager.” – Isa Pantami
Waray don cast! #PantamiResignNow
— Yoruba Boy (@Daybor) April 18, 2021
Something terrible will happen in the country this Monday. The aim is to divert attention from calls for @DrIsaPantami to step down. Quote this tweet, and retweet when it happens.#PantamiResignNow
— Great Faraday (@Ambrosechike89) April 18, 2021
#PantamiResignNow these Northern politicians are just wrong on all levels! See how bold he is????? Like so he feel so untouched abi! God continue to expose them, there are still plenty in there that are sponsoring terror organizations!
— Funmi Oladejo (@oladejo_funmi) April 18, 2021
Expecting this to happen in Nigeria very soon…. We still need to wake up from our sleep.#PantamiResign #PantamiResignNow #BuhariMustGo #Fulani https://t.co/DW0DocTltC
— TheOtherRoom (@The_OtheRoom) April 18, 2021