Nigeria needs more Pantamis in power – Gumi
Ahmad Gumi, an Islamic cleric, has opposed call for the sacking of Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. Gumi said Nigerians, rather, need more people like Pantami in ‘power’. He also dismissed accusation that Pantanmi is a terrorist sympathizer sold on islamisation of Nigeria.
“All his actions, one hundred percent, shows he is not a terrorist. Those who are terrorists are after his life. The minister should continue. His presence there is fighting the terrorist ideology”, said Gumi in an interview with Roots TV.
“You cannot Islamise the whole world. Jesus Christ came; he could not Christianise the whole world. Nobody can Islamise or Christianise Nigeria.”
“Show me one person he has killed. He has not killed anybody. He has not ordered the killing of anybody. Discard the fake news. The man is stabilising a government among a section of youths, which we want them to come and join in nation-building. They should not throw him away. Leave him. He is not a terrorist sympathizer
“And you people are fighting them. No. You should get more people like Pantami and put them in power. It will stabilise. Don’t remove him. You’ll regret.”
Pantami has faced heavy backlash and strident call for his removal from office over his religious views. An online platform had unearthed a video wherein Patanmi eulogised deceased Al-Quaeda leader Osama bin-Laden and supported the killing of infidels (non-believers). He, in another instance, reportedly described Boko Haram members as ‘fellow Muslims’, a statement many have said underscore the minister’s sympathy for the terror organisation.
However, Pantami said he has changed and recanted extreme religious beliefs. He blamed his past views on his youthfulness at the time. More so, the Nigerian presidency has equally defended the minister, resulting in a counterblast from the members of the public.
