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President Buhari backs embattled communications minister, Pantami

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Amid calls for his resignation or removal, the Muhammadu Buhari- led government has declared its support for the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu made the position of the government known in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, “The administration stands behind Minister Pantami and all Nigerian citizens to ensure they receive fair treatment, fair prices, and fair protection in ICT services.

Pantami was widely criticised recently for the comments he made in the past in support of extremist groups.

The remarks he was said to have made many years ago sparked debate and controversy just recently, with many calling for his resignation while others called on President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve him of his duties.

Shehu further claimed that Pantami was being subjected to a “cancel campaign” instigated by those who seek his removal.

According to President Buhari’s media aide, such persons do not really care what he may or may not have said in the past because they will profit should the minister be stopped from making decisions that improve the lives of everyday Nigerians.

He stated that Pantami had publicly and permanently condemned his earlier utterances as wrong and would not repeat them.

Despite the calls for his removal, the minister attended the virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) which was presided by President Muhammadu Buhari On Wednesday

 

 

Read full statement below:

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENCY ON RECENT CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL ECONOMY

Today, there is an unfortunate fashion in public discourse that makes leaders in politics, religion, and civil society liable in the present for every statement they have ever made in the past – no matter how long ago, and even after they have later rejected them.

This insidious phenomenon seeks to cancel the careers of others on the basis of a thing they have said, regardless of when they said it.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is, currently, subject to a “cancel campaign” instigated by those who seek his removal.

They do not really care what he may or may not have said some 20 years ago: that is merely the instrument they are using to attempt to “cancel” him. But they will profit should he be stopped from making decisions that improve the lives of everyday Nigerians.

The Minister has, rightly, apologised for what he said in the early 2000s. The views were absolutely unacceptable then, and would be equally unacceptable today, were he to repeat them. But he will not repeat them – for he has publicly and permanently condemned his earlier utterances as wrong.

In the 2000s, the Minister was a man in his twenties; next year he will be 50. Time has passed, and people and their opinions – often rightly – change.

But all discerning Nigerians know this manufactured dispute is nothing to do with the Minister’s prior words, but solely concern his actions in the present.

This Administration is committed to improving the lives of all Nigerians – and that includes ensuring they are not over-charged or under-protected for those services on which modern life depends.

The Minister has been leading the charge against illegal data deductions and pricing; he has revolutionised the government’s virtual public engagement to respond to COVID-19 and save taxpayers’ money; he has established ICT start-up centres to boost youth entrepreneurship and create jobs; he has changed policy to ensure locally produced ICT content is used by ministries, starting with his own; and he has deregistered some 9.2 million SIMs – ending the ability for criminals and terrorists to flagrantly use mobile networks undetected.

In two short years, Minister Pantami has driven the contribution of the ICT sector to the GDP to more than 18 percent, making it one of the top two playing a critical role in the emergence of the economy from the COVID 19-induced recession.

In putting people first, the Minister and this administration have made enemies. There are those in the opposition who see success and want it halted by any means.

And there is now well-reported information that alleges newspaper editors rebuffed an attempt to financially induce them to run a smear campaign against the minister by some ICT companies, many of which do indeed stand to lose financially through lower prices and greater consumer protections.

The government is now investigating the veracity behind these claims of attempted inducement, and – should they be found to hold credence – police and judicial action must be expected.

The Administration stands behind Minister Pantami and all Nigerian citizens to ensure they receive fair treatment, fair prices, and fair protection in ICT services.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

April 22, 2021

 
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Tinubu at 73: FERMA House Committee Chair, Oseni Hails President’s Leadership

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Says Tinubu’s policies shaping Nigeria’s future

 

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a transformative leader whose commitment to national development remains unwavering.

In a statement on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised Tinubu for his visionary leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s progress. According to him, the President’s political trajectory and governance philosophy have laid the foundation for a more prosperous nation.

“President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic development are unparalleled. His leadership has inspired a new era of governance rooted in progressive ideals and economic transformation,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker highlighted the President’s role in fostering democratic growth, strengthening institutions, and implementing key economic reforms aimed at stabilising the nation. He added that Tinubu’s policies, particularly in infrastructure and road rehabilitation, are crucial to Nigeria’s long-term development.

Oseni commended Tinubu for prioritising road infrastructure, stating that a well-maintained road network is essential for economic expansion and national cohesion. He pledged his committee’s continued support in ensuring that FERMA’s projects align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Beyond infrastructure, the lawmaker lauded Tinubu’s economic policies, including efforts to attract foreign investments and promote industrialisation. He expressed optimism that the government’s initiatives would yield tangible results, urging Nigerians to remain patient as reforms take shape.

“As a nation, we must rally behind the President’s agenda for economic recovery. Nation-building is a collective effort, and we must support policies that drive growth, stability, and prosperity,” he stated.

Oseni prayed for the President’s good health and strength, urging leaders across the country to emulate Tinubu’s resilience, strategic foresight, and inclusive governance.

 

 

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Olugbon, Olori Mourn Abisola Kola-Daisi, Commiserate with Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families

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The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, alongside his wife, Olori Olushola Adedoyin Alao, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Mrs. Abisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi.

In a jointly signed condolence message, the royal couple described the news as heartbreaking, especially coming just five years after the demise of the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

They extended their sympathies to Mr. Idris Kolapo Kola-Daisi, Abisola’s husband, their children, as well as Chief Kola Daisi and the entire Kola-Daisi family, urging them to find strength in this difficult time.

“This tragic loss has brought sorrow to the hearts of friends, relations, and well-wishers of the esteemed Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families. Bisola’s warm smile brightened the lives of those around her, and she carried herself with grace, nobility, and kindness,” the statement read.

Praying for divine comfort and fortitude for the bereaved families, the Olugbon and Olori noted that though Abisola’s life was brief, it was impactful and meaningful.

“We urge the family to take solace in the remarkable life she lived. A short but impactful life is truly valuable. May Almighty Allah grant her Aljanna Firdaus,” they added.

The royal couple also prayed that God would grant Chief (Mrs.) Ajimobi, her children, and the entire Kola-Daisi family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

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Rep. Oseni Condoles Late Gov. Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families Over Bisola’s Passing

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The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, described Bisola’s death as a tragic loss not only to her family but also to the wider Oyo State community.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker sympathised with the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, praying for divine strength and comfort in their time of grief.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi. My heart goes out to the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, especially, our late leader’s widow, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi during this painful period. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain urged the late governor’s wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi and other members of the bereaved families to find solace in Bisola’s impactful life. He emphasised that, beyond being the daughter of a respected former governor, she distinguished herself as a businesswoman and philanthropist, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

“Bisola was a woman of substance who made significant contributions to society. Her kindness, dedication, and commitment to excellence will always be remembered,” Oseni added.

The lawmaker also extended his condolences to Bisola’s husband, Mr Idris Kola-Daisi, acknowledging the immense pain he must be experiencing. He prayed for divine strength for him and the entire Kola-Daisi family as they navigate this difficult time.

Oseni further called on the public to keep the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers. He prayed that Almighty God grants Bisola eternal rest and gives her loved ones the resilience to endure the painful loss.

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