Saturday, April 17, 2021

 By Farooq A. Kperogi

Twitter: @farooqkperogi

This is a difficult column to write because although scores of people have importuned me to intervene in the controversy regarding Communication and Digital Economy Minister Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s utterances before he came into government, my wife, who knows Pantami is my friend, pleaded with me to stay out of it.

But I would be a hypocrite and betray the meaning of my name (and also my late father who taught me the meaning of my name when I was too young to fully grasp it and who never failed to remind me to live up to it) if I sidestep this consuming national controversy because it puts my friend in a bad light.

The truth is that it’s impossible to deploy the resources of logic, reason, basic decency, and even religious morality to defend some of the sermons Pantami gave in the early to late 2000s, especially in light of his current position as a federal minister in charge of a vast treasure trove of citizens’ sensitive information. I’ll come to this shortly.

But, first, how did the controversy about Pantami’s past preachments come to the forefront of national conversation? A story appeared in a few Nigerian news sites on April 12 alleging that Pantami was a Boko Haram sympathizer and enabler who is now on the radar of America’s intelligence community.

The most prominent of the newspapers that gave wing to this story was James Ibori’s Daily Independent, which alleged that Pantami had “ties with Abu Quata¬da al Falasimi and other Al-Qaeda leaders that he revered and spoke glowingly of in several of his videos on YouTube” on the basis of which he is now “on the watch list of the [sic] America’s Intelligence Service.”

The backstory to this story is that it was planted by executives of telecommunications companies in Nigeria whose companies are hemorrhaging financially because of Pantami’s December 9, 2020 directive that halted the sale, activation, and registration of new SIM cards until an “audit of the Subscriber Registration Database” is completed.

I know this because at least two editor friends confided in me that they had received the story of Pantami’s alleged links to terrorism and his surveillance by US intelligence authorities from people connected to Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, but that they declined to publish it because it was legally problematic. 

I suspect that Pantami himself has identified the source of his troubles because, on April 15, he ordered a conditional resumption of new SIM card sale, activation and registration from April 19 “as long as mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) verification is done and the guidelines of the Revised National Digital Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration are fully adhered to.”

Nonetheless, in spite of efforts by paid and unpaid media and social media “influencers” to defend him—and the retraction of the story that alleged his sympathies for domestic and international terrorists—the truth is that his rhetorical entanglements with extremist Salafist ideologies, which I wasn’t familiar with until fairly recently, justify the critical scrutiny he is receiving now.

In a series of reports, complete with audiographic accompaniments, the Peoples Gazette has unearthed sermons by Pantami that amounted to unvarnished homiletic endorsements of terrorism and intolerance of non-Muslims.  

For instance, in response to a question about Osama bin Laden’s “killing of innocent unbelievers,” Pantami said although he conceded that Bin Laden was liable to err because he was human, “I still consider him as a better Muslim than myself” and pointed out that “We are all happy whenever unbelievers are being killed, but the Sharia does not allow us to kill them without a reason.” You can’t defend that.

People’s Gazette also unearthed an audiotape in which he engaged in a weepy defense of Boko Haram terrorists against extra-judicial killings and asked for an amnesty for them just like Niger Delta militants. “See what our fellow Muslim brothers’ blood has turned to? Even pig blood has more value than that of a fellow Muslim brother,” he said.

In the aftermath of the religious crisis in Shendam in Plateau State in 2004 in which Christian militiamen murdered scores of Hausa Muslims, Pantami was livid and tearful. In an audio of his preaching, he said the “Ahlus Sunna,” that is, people who are now called Salafists, should strike back and shun politicians and religious clerics who preached peace and restraint.

“This jihad is an obligation for every single believer, especially in Nigeria (hādhā jihād farḍ ‘ayn ‘ala kull muslim wa-khuṣūṣan fī Nījīriyā),” he said.

In his March 2019 paper titled “The ‘Popular Discourses of Salafi Counter-Radicalism in Nigeria’ Revisited: A Response to Abdullahi Lamido’s Review of Alexander Thurston, Boko Haram,” Professor Andrea Brigaglia of the University of Cape Town, South Africa, writes:  

“Subsequently, Pantami offers himself as a volunteer to mobilise the Hisba police of the Muslim-majority states and to be appointed as the ‘commander’ (Hausa: kwamanda) of a militia ready to travel to Yelwa Shendam to join the fight in defence of the Muslims. The speech, which is about twenty minutes long, concludes with the prayer: ‘Oh God, give victory to the Taliban and to al-Qaeda’ (Allahumma ’nṣur Ṭālibān wa-tanẓīm al-Qā‘ida).”

There are many more indefensible rhetorical endorsements of extremism that can be found in Pantami’s past preaching. In my opinion, it is legitimate for non-Muslims to be concerned that someone with that sort of baggage is a federal minister—just like it would be valid for Muslims to be outraged if a Christian minister has been shown to have espoused extremist views before they became minister.

Yemi Osinbajo, for instance, has been accused of being an intolerant, narrow-minded Christian extremist who wallows in his Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) bubble, who employs only Yoruba people who belong to the RCCG, but while that is condemnable, no one has yet accused of him advocating views as extreme as Pantami’s when he was a pastor.

Nevertheless, while I denounce Pantami’s past embrace of extremism in his public preaching, I want to point out that there is a vast disjunction between his rhetoric and his person. People who know him outside the pulpit attest to his compassion, kindness, and peacefulness. 

Although an April 15, 2009 U.S. diplomatic cable (exposed by WikiLeaks in 2011) about the religious crisis in Bauchi during that year said “Imam Fantami Isa, who preached at the mosque, had been previously thrown out of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and of a Gombe mosque for preaching inflammatory rhetoric,” he is not known to have instigated any religious upheavals since then.

I also think he has evolved from the days of his fiery homiletic entanglements with stochastic terrorism. I can point to a few evidentiary proofs. First, although he said in one audio that he wanted to push Nigeria to the point where there would be no iconography in our national currency and even political campaign posters, he now obviously loves photography.

Second, although previous sermons expressed contempt for working for the government and even derided Islamic clerics who do, this is Pantami’s second political appointment. Before he was appointed minister, he was DG of NITDA.

Third, he earned a doctorate from the UK’s Robert Gordon University in 2014 and is now so enamored of the West that he even claims on his Twitter page and elsewhere that he was “trained” at “Oxford; Harvard; Cambridge; MIT/IMD” although he only attended a few weeks’ courses there after being in government.

But the notion that these facts show evidence that he has changed is just my extrapolation. If he indeed has evolved like I think he has, he should address a world press conference and say so. At the very least, he should give the context for his previous incendiary preachments.

 No one can do this for him. Paying media houses to “fact-check” un-fact-checkable claims (such as whether he is on a watchlist) and to cleverly twist facts to deceive a gullible reading public— and social media “influencers” to muddy the discursive waters— won’t help him.

After all, in December 2020, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa who, like Pantami, countenanced Al Qaeda and the Taliban in the early to mid-2000s, released an audiotape renouncing his past. And he isn’t a government appointee. 

As Desmond Ford reminds us, “A wise man changes his mind sometimes, but a fool never. To change your mind is the best evidence you have one.”

https://www.farooqkperogi.com/2021/04/pantami-is-my-friend-but-he-cant-be.html?m=1#.YHpfhDGSfwg.twitter Lalasticlala

Pantami is the new target for wailers to wail on.

The Buhari you people called a terrorist has been your president for almost 6 years, what would this wailing, gnashing of teeth bring? Absolutely nothing..

Even if Pantami resigns, what different would that make? Is Buhari going to appoint Wailers as Pantami substitute?

Farooq claiming to be Panatami's friend.. Would read friends give their friends out?

When a friend says that about you,it means you are a lost cause.

For instance, in response to a question about Osama bin Laden’s “killing of innocent unbelievers,” Pantami said although he conceded that Bin Laden was liable to err because he was human, “I still consider him as a better Muslim than myself” and pointed out that “We are all happy whenever unbelievers are being killed, but the Sharia does not allow us to kill them without a reason.” You can’t defend that.

This is a man made the minister-for communication and digital technology in charge of citizens sensitive national bio-information by Buhari(another terrorist lover and sympathiser) for goodness sake.This is enough for them to resign and leave our national life.

When it is said all headslammers supports Jihad that encourages bloodshed and killings in the name of a god, they called us extremists with islamophobic view even when the truth is glaring from their holy book-Koran.

For instance, in response to a question about Osama bin Laden’s “killing of innocent unbelievers,” Pantami said although he conceded that Bin Laden was liable to err because he was human, “I still consider him as a better Muslim than myself” and pointed out that “We are all happy whenever unbelievers are being killed, but the Sharia does not allow us to kill them without a reason.” You can’t defend that.

Pantami should just step aside.

helinues:
Pantami is the new target for wailers to wail on.

The Buhari you people called a terrorist has been your president for almost 6 years, what would this wailing, gnashing of teeth bring? Absolutely nothing

The wailing has landed us in Benin Republic.
But wait o,how long would this asslicking be over?
You should be donated to Ogun cos u are an absolute disgrace to the true sons of Yoruba.
If you were Igbo,u would have been long gone to meet God for judgement... nonsense!!

helinues:
Pantami is the new target for wailers to wail on.

The Buhari you people called a terrorist has been your president for almost 6 years, what would this wailing, gnashing of teeth bring? Absolutely nothing

Suffering and smiling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD4Z3r_2Ur0
“Subsequently, Pantami offers himself as a volunteer to mobilise the Hisba police of the Muslim-majority states and to be appointed as the ‘commander’ (Hausa: kwamanda) of a militia ready to travel to Yelwa Shendam to join the fight in defence of the Muslims. The speech, which is about twenty minutes long, concludes with the prayer: ‘Oh God, give victory to the Taliban and to al-Qaeda’ (Allahumma ’nṣur Ṭālibān wa-tanẓīm al-Qā‘ida).”

There are many more indefensible rhetorical endorsements of extremism that can be found in Pantami’s past preaching. In my opinion, it is legitimate for non-Muslims to be concerned that someone with that sort of baggage is a federal minister...."

[s]

helinues:
Pantami is the new target for wailers to wail on.The Buhari you people called a terrorist has been your president for almost 6 years, what would this wailing, gnashing of teeth bring? Absolutely nothing.Even if Pantami resign, what different would that make? Is Buhari going to appoint Wailers as Pantami substitute?

[/s]You are being governed by terrorists Mr.Helinues and this should give you grave concern.If you are not moved, then let those who are moved do the wailing on your behalf.

Subsequently, Pantami offers himself as a volunteer to mobilise the Hisba police of the Muslim-majority states and to be appointed as the ‘commander’ (Hausa: kwamanda) of a militia ready to travel to Yelwa Shendam to join the fight in defence of the Muslims

This man even seems to be a trained Jihadi commander

helinues:
Pantami is the new target for wailers to wail on.

The Buhari you people called a terrorist has been your president for almost 6 years, what would this wailing, gnashing of teeth bring? Absolutely nothing..

Even if Pantami resign, what different would that make? Is Buhari going to appoint Wailers as Pantami substitute?

You still have mouth to talk now because CAN is silent on this sensitive issue.

If this terrorist sympathiser fails to resign,CAN should call for nationwide protest.We cannot afford the risk of our data falling into the hands of Boko Haram, Taliban or Al-qeada

PaChukwudi44:

You still have mouth to talk now because CAN is silent on this sensitive issue.

If this terrorist sympathiser fails to resign,CAN should call for nationwide protest.We cannot afford the risk of our data falling into the hands of Boko Haram, Taliban or Al-qeada

CAN beer, CAN coke or Trash CAN?

PureMe01:

It has landed us in Benin Republic.
But wait o,how long would this asslicking be over?
You should be donated to Ogun cos u are shameless to the true sons of Yorubas

Wow , so you are typing from Idp camp in Benin Republic?

How is the life there?

helinues:
Pantami is the new target for wailers to wail on.

The Buhari you people called a terrorist has been your president for almost 6 years, what would this wailing, gnashing of teeth bring? Absolutely nothing..

Even if Pantami resign, what different would that make? Is Buhari going to appoint Wailers as Pantami substitute?

Not only have you sold your conscience for 30k, you have also sold your soul..... You know the truth but you will never accept it.

helinues:
Pantami is the new target for wailers to wail on.

The Buhari you people called a terrorist has been your president for almost 6 years, what would this wailing, gnashing of teeth bring? Absolutely nothing..

Even if Pantami resign, what different would that make? Is Buhari going to appoint Wailers as Pantami substitute?

I find it hard to understand Yoruba Muslims...

This is a man whose extreme Islamic teachings are all over the internet... He was even seen with the founder of Boko Haram..

The same northern journalist who opened the lid on kemi Adeosun was seen waving this away just like you are doing...

Kemi was sacked and replaced by you know who because of Nysc certificate...

I don't seem to understand Yoruba Muslims on this forum... It's no longer about hypocrisy..
I think it goes deeper than that..
Something is definitely wrong

Vulcanheph:

Not only have you sold your conscience for 30k, you have also sold your soul..... You know the truth but you will never accept it.

He has sold his tribesmen...
His identity... His essence as a human being

helinues:


Wow , so you are typing from Idp camp in Benin Republic?

How is the life there?

my brother,as a bonafide Yoruba man,here is hell.Na your Buhari cause am

Wailers doing what they know best on this thread...

You people should wail more, more gnashing of teeth loading

PureMe01:
my brother,as a bonafide Yoruba man,here is hell.Na your Buhari cause am

Is it Buhari or Jubril that deported you to Benin Republic?

zombieHUNTER:


I find it hard to understand Yoruba Muslims...

This is a man whose extreme Islamic teachings are all over the internet... He was even seen with the founder of Boko Haram..

The same northern journalist who opened the lid on kemi Adeosun was seen waving this away just like you are doing...

Kemi was sacked and replaced by you know who because of Nysc certificate...

I don't seem to understand Yoruba Muslims on this forum... It's no longer about hypocrisy..
I think it goes deeper than that..
Something is definitely wrong

My shiite Igbo friend, how is your weekend going

It is only fools that will think isa pantami is not on terror watchlist. Many top muslim politicians are also in that list.

zombieHUNTER:


I find it hard to understand Yoruba Muslims...

This is a man whose extreme Islamic teachings are all over the internet... He was even seen with the founder of Boko Haram..

The same northern journalist who opened the lid on kemi Adeosun was seen waving this away just like you are doing...

Kemi was sacked and replaced by you know who because of Nysc certificate...

I don't seem to understand Yoruba Muslims on this forum... It's no longer about hypocrisy..
I think it goes deeper than that..
Something is definitely wrong

Majority of them are zombies , keep on hunting for them.

helinues:
Pantami is the new target for wailers to wail on.

The Buhari you people called a terrorist has been your president for almost 6 years, what would this wailing, gnashing of teeth bring? Absolutely nothing..

Even if Pantami resign, what different would that make? Is Buhari going to appoint Wailers as Pantami substitute?

You sound so unfortunate and miserable.
What a soulless Z0mbie.

Ojiofor:


You sound so unfortunate and miserable.
What a soulless Z0mbie.

Is that all or do you have any other things to add?

helinues:
Pantami is the new target for wailers to wail on.

The Buhari you people called a terrorist has been your president for almost 6 years, what would this wailing, gnashing of teeth bring? Absolutely nothing..

Even if Pantami resign, what different would that make? Is Buhari going to appoint Wailers as Pantami substitute?

Relax, just like Adeosun, he too will be down!

helinues:


My shiite Igbo friend, how is your weekend going

mynd44 lalasticlala Seun oam4j

Rule 2

ngadaAwo:


Rule 2

How many times am I going to tell you to always tag UN, UEFA, CAF with your reporting?

If you want quick response,those are the people that would attend to you.

Rule 2 ko, table 5 ni

Penguin2:


Relax, just like Adeosun, he too will be down!

Adeosun is Yoruba while Pantami is a Fulani man.

Can you now spot the difference?