South-East Group Supports Pantami

A political movement, the South East Support Group has urged Nigerians to judge Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami by the content of his present character.

The group made the appeal at a press conference in Enugu.

Controversies have trailed the alleged previous comments or support of Pantami in favour of Alqaeda, Osama Bin Laden and other terrorist groups and activities.

Pharm. Emeka Akwobi, Convener of the movement, explained that people mature with time and change positions on issues as they grow, get more experienced and expand their knowledge and worldviews.

“While many have continued to call for his head including a resignation or sack from the cabinet, it is relieving to note that the Presidency came out in clear terms to give him support. The Presidency also explained the rationale for such support,” he said.

Akwobi, maintained that the issue should not have been politicised along ethnic and religious lines as some people are desperately trying to make it.

He said: “We therefore call on all and sundry to let the Pantami issue go away. Professor Pantami should be judged by the content of his present character. We should be concerned with how he discharges his office. Is there a report of extremism or fundamentalism in his office?

“Does he discriminate his workers on tribal basis? Does he implement a religious agenda in his Ministry? If the answers are No, why do we call for his extinction. There are christian clerics in the government. No one has called for their removal from the cabinet. Why Pantami?

“Our beloved country is already facing many challenges. Our common interest should be how to resolve the many security problems. It should not be how to fight Pantami who is already contributing so much to national security management through the NIN initiative. We are indeed worried that many fighting him do that so he can abandon this noble project. Doing that will mean freedom to kidnappers and criminals.”