Jumoke Olasunkanmi
The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ibrahim Pantami, is facing accusations of funding terrorism after his donation of N50 million towards the release of six abducted sisters and their father sparked outrage among Nigerians.
Many netizens took to social media to condemn Pantami’s actions, calling it “terrorism funding” and demanding that security agencies do their job of securing the lives and properties of Nigerians.
The criticism against Pantami stems from his perceived incompetence during his time as the minister of communications, which some believe contributed to the security agencies’ failure to track down the kidnappers.
Social media influencers and users questioned Pantami’s credentials as a professor of cyber security and his ability to track down the kidnappers.
Pantami’s involvement in the adoption of the National Identity Number (NIN) as a mandatory requirement for mobile SIM card registration also added fuel to the controversy surrounding his donation.
He claimed that the NIN would enhance security and help combat banditry and kidnapping in the country. However, critics pointed out the apparent contradiction between his support for the NIN policy and his decision to donate to a ransom payment.
“The same Minister that initiated NIN policy with the preposition that it’ll solve insecurity and kidnapping issues.” @uwembrown1 posted.
An X user @UnkleAyo in response to Pantami asked, “You’re a professor of cyber security and the former no 1 man in charge of the nation’s data. How hard is it to track these kidnappers? “You’re sending the funds to an account number – no?”
Another X user, @obajemujnr asked a similar question. “60 million to be paid to kidnappers with no traces; why BVN; why NIN; no microchip inserted in the bag of money for easy tracking?”
In response to the criticism, Pantami defended his NIN-SIM policy, stating that the problem lies in the security agencies’ failure to effectively utilize it.
“NIN-SIM policy has been working. However, the relevant institutions fighting criminality are to be requested to ensure they utilize it effectively when a crime is committed. Lack of utilizing it is the main problem, not the policy. While in office, I know 3 instances where the policy was utilized, and it led to the success of their operations,” he wrote.
As public outrage continues to grow, the allegations against Pantami and the implications for national security remain at the forefront of public discourse.
