Terror Watchlist: US government accepts petition to probe Isa Pantami
Communications minister Isa Pantami has been referred to the United States’ government over alleged links to terrorism.
The reference was made by human rights group, Concerned Nigerians, which submitted a petition to that effect on Friday.
The group, led by activist Deji Adeyanju, said America’s embassy in Nigeria accepted and acknowledged the petition.
“We write to intimate you of remarks attributed to Sheikh Isa Pantami, Nigeria’s Communications Minister, in several media blogs in the country wherein he was quoted as saying he was always happy whenever unbelievers are killed by terrorist groups,” the petition reads.
“It is also further alleged that he had in the past openly supported and endorsed global terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
“Pantami is said to have praised Osama bin Laden describing him as a hero and a better Muslim than himself. He has not renounced these views in the face of new revelations by the media. His views are extremist views and a threat to a multi-religious nation like Nigeria.
“He is a senior member of President Buhari’s regime and we are of the view that a supporter of Mullah Omar and Osama bin Laden should not hold a sensitive position and be in charge of the database of Nigerians.
“We are confident that Mr. Pantami will not resign or be sacked despite the public outcry because President Buhari is drawn to men like him,” Concerned Nigerians wrote.
