I Am Not A Terrorist, My Driver And Secretary Are Christians – Isa Pantami

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami has reacted to the reports that he has a link with Boko Haram insurgency group and Al-Qaeda, saying he is not a terrorist.
Recall that Isa Pantami was said to have been listed on US’ Watchlist of people who have as link to the groups stirring insecurity in Nigeria, especially the Northern region, taking the freedom of, de-housing and displacing many people.Debunking the reports in a recent interview with the People’s Gazette, Isa Pantami denied links to extremist views, saying criminals and other entrenched interests are behind the attacks on him. Insisting that he is not a terrorist, Isa Pantami said his past controversial comments on terrorist groups including Taliban and Al-Qaeda were misconstrued.

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The Minister also said he has no issues with Christians, adding that his personal driver, secretary and technical assistant are all Christians. “My personal driver is Mai Keffi, a practising Christian. I also have a Christian, Ms Nwosu, as my Secretary and Dr Femi, also a Christian, as my technical adviser”, the Minister said.“If I did not like Christians or I did not see them as my brothers and sisters, I would not have been working with them for so long. I employed more Christians than Muslims on my staff because I believe in merit and competence over ethnic or tribal sentiments.”

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Distancing himself from terrorism, Isa Pantami said he’s never condoned the act. “I have never condoned terrorism and I reject any affiliation to terror groups. I have long preached peaceful coexistence amongst people of every faith and ethnicity”, Isa Pantami added.Photos Credit: Getty