Pantami: Presidency employ, defends terrorists — Fayose

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has slammed the Presidency, describing it as “the employer and defender of Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits.”

Fayose was reacting to the support given by the Presidency to the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, despite calls for his removal from office over comments he made in the past in sympathy with terrorist organisations – Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

According to the former governor, Pantami’s case has further exposed the government’s hypocrisy and complicity.

He said it is painful that Nigeria is being governed by people who were at one time nominated as Boko Haram negotiators while their lieutenants are those who have openly kicked against military action against Boko Haram terrorists and rejected its categorisation as a terrorist organization.

“The present situation of Nigeria, where the Presidency has become the employer and defender of Boko Haram terrorists and armed bandits is so appalling,” Fayose tweeted.

“The issue of Isa Pantami has further exposed the govt’s hypocrisy and complicity. So saddening and worrisome that the spokesmen of the president were the ones going from one media house to another to defend someone who openly supported terrorists.

“In the last 3 days, over 300 Nigerians have been killed across the country, with several others in captivity, and this is still not enough for President Buhari & his men to wear sackcloth and cover themselves with ashes. Rather, they are seen making merry as if nothing has happened.

“It is painful that Nigeria is being governed by people who were at one time nominated as Boko Haram negotiators while their lieutenants are those who have openly kicked against military action against Boko Haram terrorists & rejected its categorisation as a terrorist organization.

“Those ruling Nigeria, particularly at the federal are acting as if the country is about the government and them, forgetting that the government is about the country and its people.

“With killings from North, South, East and West, it is certain that Nigerians must be impatient to send this APC govt packing in 2023, having made the mistake of bringing these clueless people in 2015. In fact, waiting bw now & 2023 will remain a pain in the heart of Nigerians.

“It is funny that today, if those running the affairs of the country are not telling us that armed bandits must be seen as innocent until proven guilty, they will be saying offence of forgery is more grievous than an open declaration of support for terrorists.

“Because of their inability to take decisive actions against these terrorists that they appear to have sympathy for, Nigeria is no longer safe for anyone to live in.

“Our roads have been taking over by terrorists while Nigerians, including traditional rulers, are now being abducted right inside their bedrooms.

“It is, therefore, my counsel to Nigerians that they should restrict their movements at this period and avoid travelling around the country.

“Those staying in isolated areas should also endeavour to move to where there are more people. It is my prayer that God will restore peace and normalcy to our country.”

Credit: Punch