Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has suspended one of the administrators of his Facebook page over a controversial post targeting individuals and clerics who do not support his governorship ambition in Gombe State.
Pantami, who is aspiring to contest for the governorship of Gombe State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, disclosed this in a statement shared on his Facebook page on Saturday.
The former minister distanced himself from the post, describing it as unauthorised and inconsistent with his leadership principles.
“My attention has been drawn to a post on this page by one of the admins, containing a strongly worded message suggesting that anyone who does not support Prof. Pantami is a hypocrite, and that any cleric who does not support him is equally a hypocrite,” he said.
“I would like to state clearly that this message was not authorised by me, nor does it represent our approach to leading the affairs of our state. Furthermore, the admin in question has been placed under suspension until further notice.”
Pantami stressed that politics should accommodate everyone irrespective of religious or sectarian differences, noting that criticism remains an essential part of leadership and governance.
“First, it is important to note that in politics, everyone is valued and respected, regardless of sectarian differences,” he stated.
“Moreover, as an administrator, academic, former Minister, and, most importantly, a religious cleric myself, I understand the value of criticism. It is a vital ingredient that shapes discourse, upholds standards, and sustains development.”
The governorship aspirant further stated that his political aspiration is rooted in fairness, inclusiveness and justice, especially in a diverse society like Gombe State.
“I would also like to state that, as a politician aspiring to lead a heterogeneous, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society, I am for everyone,” Pantami added.
“Islam equally enjoins every leader to be just to all, irrespective of differences, and I hold firmly to these values.”
He also revealed that his political team consists of people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
“It is also noteworthy to reiterate that my team comprises individuals of impeccable character from diverse ethno-religious backgrounds. It includes people of different faiths, both Christians and Muslims, as we understand that our diversity across many dimensions makes us stronger and greater as a people,” he said.
