Richard Ginika Izuora
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the decision of Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, to retain his position as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to Wike, it is unreasonable for the government to allow anyone in a situation such as that of the Minister to remain in office.
The Governor made the remarks on Wednesday, April 21, via his Twitter handle while reacting to the comments said to have been made by Pantami in the past in support of extremist groups.
Although the Minister has renounced the comments, saying he was a changed person, Wike however, insisted that it was wrong to allow Pantami to continue with his duties as a Minister.
According to him, the Minister ought to have relinquished his duties but the situation has worsened because the government does not care.
“No reasonable Government would allow a person with the issues around Dr Pantami remain in its cabinet.
Ordinarily, the Minister should leave immediately but this Government doesn’t care.
“This should not be allowed, saying it was done in the past or he has repented is not the issue.
The Governor also stressed that the time when the Minister made the comments do not matter; saying they could be described as the germinated seeds that have led to the killing of people.
He advised Pantami to tender his resignation as a Minister adding that he would have done the same if he was in such a situation.
