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$30 Million Safe School Fund: SERAP Queries Buhari, Demands How Money Was Spent |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Muhammadu Buhari
Muhammadu Buhari

By Akinwale Kasali

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to investigate why the Safe Schools Initiative has failed. It was established to bolster security at schools in response to the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls. But it has failed to stop frequent abductions of students, and ensure the safety and security of Nigerian children.

In a letter dated 24, April, 2021, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the body said it is important to investigate allegations that the $30m safe school fund is either  missing, mismanaged or diverted. If so, the body says the law should visit anyone suspected to be involved, as well as recover money.

The letter was SERAP’s reaction to the killing of three abducted Greenfield University students, and the plan launched by the Federal Government last week to raise additional funds for safe schools.

SERAP also wants the “the United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education, Mr Gordon Brown to wait for the outcome of any investigation into the spending of the $30m initially budgeted for the Safe School Initiative programme before leading the international community and donors to push for more funds for the programme.”

The organisation said: “Rather than pushing to raise more funds for the Safe School Initiative programme, your government should prioritise and ensure a thorough, transparent and effective investigation into the spending of the $30m initially budgeted for the protection of schools, prevention of attacks, and continued education of students.”

The letter reads in part: “SERAP will also consider asking Mr Brown to use his influence to insist on transparency and accountability in the spending of the $30m safe school fund before rushing to engage donors to commit to additional funding of the Safe School Initiative programme.

“SERAP also urges you to ask Mr Brown to put pressure on the 36 state governors to accept voluntary scrutiny by Nigerians and civil society regarding the spending of any funds spearheaded and raised by him to improve safety and security in Nigerian schools.

“Despite the $30m safe school fund meant to ensure safety and security in 500 schools, and to provide a school environment free of fear, no school has been protected, as illustrated by the recent spate of abductions and killings of students in several parts of the country.

“Allegations of corruption in the spending of the $30m safe school fund undermine the safety and security of Nigerian children in schools, and deny access of poor children to quality education in a safe environment because the money that the government should be spending to provide safe schools for Nigerian children is squandered or stolen.

“The Nigerian government has a legal obligation to protect Nigerian children from all forms of violence and other human rights abuses including abductions, killings, and to prevent and combat corruption in the spending of funds budgeted to improve safety and security in schools.

“Attacks on students, teachers and their families violate constitutional and international human rights law, and force many families to keep their children home. This aggravates existing disparities in access to education, further marginalizing the poor.

“The government’s apparent failure to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of the $30m safe school fund is contrary to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and violates Nigeria’s obligations under international law and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“According to our information, the Federal Government, state governors and security agencies together with foreign governments and UN agencies last week launched a plan in Abuja to finance safe schools in Nigeria.

“Mr Gordon Brown who attended the meeting reportedly promised to rally global support for the programme, and stated that ‘donors are all ready and willing to help in the latest move to fund and re-energise the initiative.’” “The plan to raise more funds for safe schools was launched barely a week after the 7th anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok girls, which led to the launch of the Safe School Initiative programme.

“The Federal Government has a responsibility to ensure that Federal authorities and State Governments are transparent and accountable to Nigerians in how they spend safe school fund, and to tread carefully in raising additional funds before probing the spending of the $30m fund.

“According to our information, the Government Secondary School in Chibok is still in ruins despite funds that were committed to its renovation. Allan Manasseh, spokesman for the Chibok community reportedly stated: ‘It was a substandard structure, every wind that blew destroyed a part of the building. It kept falling off again and again and till today it has not been used.’

“Corruption poses a critical threat to the enjoyment of the right to education. It weakens institutions, erodes public trust in government and impairs the ability of states to fulfil their human rights obligations. It also undercuts both access to and the quality of education, and hits hardest at the most vulnerable and marginalised sectors of society.”

“Education is a basic right enshrined in various international treaties ratified by Nigeria, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Education is empowering, and enables children to realize all of their human rights.”

Ekiti Varsity Closure: Council Recants, Recalls Workers, Imposes No Work No Pay Rule |The Source

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The Source
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Ekiti State University

By Ayodele Oni

Within 24 hours of its closure, the Management of Ekiti State University,(EKSU) Ado Ekiti, has recanted and announced the reopening of the institution.

The action of the Management, it was gathered, was due to criticisms and condemnations that trailed  the closure on Friday.

The Council did not only close down the University, it also announced a total clamp down on unions and their activities on the campus.

After a review of its action on Saturday, the Management,at a special meeting, appraised the development arising from the decision of the Governing Council on closure of the University for academic activities and the proscription of staff unions in the institution; and decided to make the following clarifications.

“The announced proscription of the staff Unions affects  their activities within the campus and its immediate environment including all University facilities.

A statement by Mr Bode Olofinmuagun states that “the suspension of academic activities does not include online classes which must continue.

“All  staff (academic and non-teaching) must be at their duty posts as adequate measures have been put in place to guarantee their safety without fear of molestation.

“Henceforth, the policy  of “no-work no -pay” will be enforced in the university.

“There shall be no gathering on the campus and its immediate environment including all University facilities till further notice, without obtaining clearance from the Management.

“The decisions of Management are hereby communicated for information and compliance, please.”

Imo: Fear Grips Politicians, As Gov. Uzodinma’s Country Home Is Attacked, Set On Fire |The Source

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

The insecurity in Imo State entered a dangerous phase on Saturday, April 24, when the Omuma country home of the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, was attacked and set on fire.

Omuma is in Orlu Zone of the State. Both  Governor Uzodinma and former Governor Rochas Okorocha come from the same Zone, and have, especially, in recent weeks, engaged each other in serious political brick-brats.

The Zone had, also, recently, witnessed violence between Security agents, operatives of the IPOB- backed Eastern Security Network, ESN, and rogue Fulani herdsmen.

The attack on Governor Uzodinma’s country home happened in broad day light, at about 9.00am. The hoodlums, according to eyewitnesses, came in three buses and were in black uniform. Accompanying them was a tipper filled with used tyres.

Unconfirmed reports say a fatality was recorded, as well as a number of injuries.

There has been no confirmation from the Imo Police Command, but a statement from the Imo State Government, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, confirmed the attack.

While acknowledging a number of  injuries, the statement said that gallant Security Personnel at the Governor’s home repelled the attackers, and stopped them from recording maximum damage as had probably been planned.

While investigation into this dangerous incident has started, the Government says it is politically motivated

Video images recorded of the attack showed plumes of smoke and angry tongues of fire. At least, three vehicles and a long coaster bus were on fire.

A number of young men, apparently, from the area, were seen, wondering how the hoodlums gained access and, were frantically, asking for buckets of water, and a call to the fire service.

The Imo Government’s  statement reads in full:

ATTACK ON IMO GOVERNOR’S COUNTRY HOME REPELLED

“Gallant security operatives, this morning, repelled an attack on the  Omuma country home of the Governor of Imo State, Sen Hope Uzodimma.

“At about 9am today, Saturday, April 24th,  a group of hoodlums numbering about 15, driving in a motorcade of three vehicles, accompanied by a tipper loaded with used tyres,  stormed the country home of the Governor in Omuma,  Oru East  LGA, and attempted to burn down the house.

“However, vigilant security operatives attached to the Governor’s house successfully repelled the attack and consequently minimised the damage they had planned to unleash.

“In the cross fire that ensued, a few casualties were recorded.  Preliminary investigation suggests that the foiled attack may have been politically sponsored

“The Government has directed the relevant security agencies to expedite investigation on the incident and promptly apprehend  the sponsors and their agents and bring them to justice”

Many Imolites who spoke to this magazine in Owerri,  Saturday morning, are agreed that the attack on Uzodinma’s country home has raised the ante of insecurity in the State, and pushed it to a dangerous level. They fear a number of high profile politicians in the State might suffer the same fate. Noted one of them who pleaded anonymity: “It does not matter from where this attack came, but this is dangerous, and no Politician can claim to be safe now. Our people are copy-cats. This could become the norm in the State. Watch out.”

Imo State, as other four South-east states, has recorded a rise in insecurity.

Most recently, Security Personnel have been killed and, Police facilities have been attacked. The most daring was the attack, on Easter Monday, of the Headquarters of the State Police Command and the Correctional Centre in Owerri. During that attack, 1,844 prisoners were set free by the hoodlums who, also, set fire on buildings. They did the same at the Police Headquarters, released detainees, razed buildings, and set on fire about 50 vehicles, including Police operational vehicles.

Till date, only a little over 180 of the prisoners have either returned on their own, or apprehended by Security agents.

Governor Uzodinma had disclosed, at the time, that the hoodlums wanted to attack the Government House, but were repelled by security agents guarding it.

The State Government initially blamed IPOB/ESN for that attack,  but recanted a couple off days later, and blamed it on disgruntled politicians.

Incredible, Health Minister Says FG Needs N1.89 Trillion To Combat Malaria |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Osagie Ehanire DR

By Akinwale Kasali

According to World Health Organization, WHO and the United Nations, UN, hundreds of Nigerians die on a daily basis as a result of Malaria.

WHO and the UN have not rested in trying to control Malaria  Nigeria and Africa by sensitizing and making frantic efforts.

In this regard, the Nigeria Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has disclosed that  the Federal Government needs a whopping N1.89 Trillion to effectively combat malaria in the country.

Ehanire noted that the country required more than N350 billion to fight the disease in 2021 alone.

Ehanire made this disclosure at a press conference to commemorate the 2021 World Malarial in Abuja, with the theme “Zero Malaria”.

The World Malaria Day, celebrated every April 25, is an internationally recognized day, highlighting the global efforts to control malaria and celebrate the gains that have been made.

Since 2000, the world has made historic progress against malaria, saving millions of lives. However, half the world still lives at risk from this preventable and treatable disease, which costs a child’s life every two minutes.

“The implementation of the new strategic plan will cost N1.89 trillion; about N352 billion is required for the year 2021 programme implementation,” he added.

He noted, “The theme of this year’s commemoration is Zero Malaria – Draw the Line Against Malaria, and the slogan ‘Stand Up, Take Action’ which is to empower communities in various countries to take ownership of preventing malaria and providing proper care and treatment to those in need, are germane.

According to him, “the Federal Government does not have the adequate amount required to fight the disease this year.”

The minister attributed this to the prevailing economic circumstances occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ehanire called on the private sector, various corporate organisations, and patriotic individuals to support the government to tackle malaria.

He added  that “the government was working to establish a Malaria Council that would help to drive domestic funding for the elimination of the disease.

The Minister said “the commemoration of World Malaria Day provides the government with the opportunity to share the progress made, best practices, and create awareness on the scourge of malaria. Malaria, a disease caused by a parasite spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, kills more than 400,000 people a year, mostly children in sub-Saharan Africa.

“As experts across the world step up efforts to combat the disease, a recent study shows that a malaria vaccine from the Oxford Institute is 77 per cent effective for the treatment of COVID-19.

“The study conducted by Oxford University and released on Friday indicated that clinical trials had been carried out on 450 children between the ages of five and 17 months.

“If safety is assured, health authorities say that it will become the key weapon in eliminating the disease, which is responsible for half a million deaths a year, mostly in children,” he explained.

The WHO had earlier said “it is noteworthy that Nigeria has recorded a drop in malaria prevalence from 42 per cent in 2010 to 23 per cent in 2018.

It added that “it is worrisome that, despite funding from government and partners, 44 per cent of household out of pocket expenditure is on malaria.

“It is estimated that malaria causes a significant loss in economic growth and puts a strain on household finances.

“Equally, the overall progress made in the first 15 years of this century, global trends in malaria case and mortality rates have been plateauing since 2015, particularly in the highest burden countries; Nigeria is one,” it noted.

Politics: Gov Fayemi Charges The Church Not To Be Passive |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has charged the Church to participate actively in politics as another election year draws nearer.

He was delivering the Convocation Lecture titled ‘The Church, Politics and Future Elections’ at the Good Shepard Major Seminary Graduation Ceremony in Kaduna.

Dr Fayemi, who is the Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) pointed out that he expected the Church to take part in the electoral processes as observers and social orientation agents.

“The Church must use its enormous platform to preach peace, tolerance, and consensus among the political class.

“The Christian community in Nigeria needs to develop a template for appraising socio-economic and political issues.

“There should be a reservoir of knowledge about science, technology and the future of the Church, and the position that the Church will want to promote in her own interest.

“Knowledge is key in national conversation, it is not enough to speak with passion, it is better to speak convincingly and authoritatively. I expect therefore that our own priests will demonstrate concern for the quality of governance in the society.

“So far, the church has been above board, given the nature of its history. However, today’s priests must read the history of their country, understand the cultures and gain in-depth knowledge of its socio-economic circumstances.

“It is with this knowledge that they can become relevant partners and leaders with moral authority. They must criticize when things seem to be going wrong, but leave a window for dialogue, guidance, and collaboration with constituted authority.

“The Church must try not to be seen to be aligned to any political party. It must see all political actors as sons and daughters open to correction and discipline.

“As we go to 2023, we must acknowledge the role of our Church in speaking truth to power, which inspired us in our struggle against military dictatorship and continue to help in our current quest for better governance and public accountability.

“But it is also time to go beyond that. It is time to take advantage of our well regarded structure, history, culture, and universalism and use these in a strategic and deliberate manner to mobilise already existing constituencies such as the Laity, Youth, Women, and other associations of which we are unique as we approach 2023.

“While it is nice to see one of us being the president in 2023, it is important to look beyond the religious profession of the gladiators or even their ethnic or geopolitical origin.

“The Church should develop a charter of concerns which must be as inclusive as possible and engage the candidates in direct conversations and debates. I will want to see the Church and its affiliates and perhaps, in association with other faiths, organize debates for candidates that address fundamental issues around freedom of religion, conscience, association and other areas of interest.”

Governing Council Of Ekiti Varsity Orders Closure, Proscribes Unions |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ekiti State University

By Ayodele Oni

Following unending peaceful protest by unions at the Ekiti State University,(EKSU), Ado Ekiti, the Governing Council has announced the immediate closure of the University.

This was contained in a statement by the spokesman of the institution, Mr Bode Olofinmuagun at the weekend.

According to the statement,  “all academic activities are hereby suspended.

“This is as a result of the continuous disruption of lawful activities on campus which have endangered lives and property in the last one week.

“Consequently, to guarantee peace and orderliness on campus, all the four unions ( ASUU, SSANU, NAAT and NASU) are hereby proscribed with immediate effect.”

It was gathered that the unions were protesting against unpaid salaries, non remittance of deductions and failure of the state government to release subvention to the university as at when due.

Representatives of the unions were at a meeting with the management of the institution till late night on Friday and had to disperse following the closure of the institution.

Some of the unionists expressed disappointment over the closure saying the students just resumed from the prolonged holiday occasioned by the corona virus pandemic and were now being sent back home again.

Theh urged the state government to meet its obligations to the university and stop tampering with funds meant for the university to develop another state government owned university of education.

Pantami: Fani-Kayode Knocks Buhari, Says He Has Insulted Nigerians |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Minister of Aviation and strong critic of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration, Femi Fani-Kayode,  has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari for backing  Minister, Isa  Pantami, over allegations that he was in support of terrorism.

Fani-Kayode berated Presdient Buhari for supporting the Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Pantami, despite calls for his removal from different quarters.

It would be recalled that Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, had said that there was a “cancel campaign” against the Minister for holding views in the past that he has since renounced.

In a statement on Thursday, the Presidency added that it was supporting the Minister despite widespread calls for his removal.

“The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is, currently, subject to a “cancel campaign” instigated by those who seek his removal.

“They do not really care what he may or may not have said some 20 years ago: that is merely the instrument they are using to attempt to “cancel” him. But they will profit should he be stopped from making decisions that improve the lives of everyday Nigerians.

“The Minister has, rightly, apologized for what he said in the early 2000s. The views were absolutely unacceptable then, and would be equally unacceptable today, were he to repeat them. But he will not repeat them – for he has publicly and permanently condemned his earlier utterances as wrong.

“In the 2000s, the Minister was a man in his twenties; next year he will be 50. Time has passed, and people and their opinions – often rightly – change.

“But all discerning Nigerians know this manufactured dispute is nothing to do with the Minister’s prior words, but solely concern his actions in the present,” the statement reads in part.

However, in a series of tweets via his Twitter handle on Friday, Fani-Kayode said it is an insult to Nigerians for President Buhari to keep Pantami in his office despite the controversies surrounding him.

Fani-Kayode wrote, “There is NO place in any civilised nation for a terrorist who delights in killing his compatriots in the name of his faith.

“No matter who supports or defends him, the Nigerian people will NEVER accept or bow to the dictates & salafist philosophy of a violent & unrepentant jihadist.

“Nigeria is a secular state. We oppose those who say otherwise and we deplore those that believe that they can continue to ignore the sensitivities of millions of Nigerians by playing down the dangers and damage of having a man like Pantami in Government. It is deeply insulting.”

Calabar: Pain, Tears, Sorrow As Rainstorm Wreaks Havoc |The Source

By
The Source
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0

By Stanley Ekpenyong, Calabar

Calabar, the sleepy capital of Cross River state was Thursday evening rudely awakened by a devastating rainstorm, leaving wanton destruction on its trail.

Described as “Nature’s #ENDSARS, by some residents in reference to the wanton destruction and looting unleashed on the city by hoodlums during the #ENDSARS protest last October, the rainstorm blew off roofs, destroyed electric poles and cables and unpturned cars, kiosks etc in several parts of the city.

The usually tree-lined streets and roads of Calabar have also been greatly defaced by fallen trees, causing untold traffic gridlock, a phenomenon alien to the city.

For example, the popular Murtala Muhammed Highway, IBB way and Etta Agbor axis of the city are all littered with fallen trees.

Several shop owners at  Etta Agbor roundabout escaped death by the whiskers when a giant tree along the road fell on their shops.

The Hope Waddle Institute and the General Hospital, were both very badly affected.

Meanwhile, officials of the Cross River state Ministry of Environment  have been battling to clear the roads.

Officials of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution company could also be seen fixing damaged poles and cables in order to restore power to many parts of the city plunged into darkness by the ravaging storm.

Imo North: It’s The End For Ararume As INEC Issues “CoR” To Ibezim; Okewulonu Fights On |The Source

By
The Source
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0
Ifeanyi Araraume

By Charles Igbo

The hard-fighting Ifeanyi Ararume has finally lost the battle for the Imo North Senatorial seat. For him, on that seat, it is the end.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Friday, issued his competitor, Sir Frank Ibezim, with the Certificate of Return, CoR.

The seat became vacant on the death of Senator Ben Uwajimogu, APC. INEC conducted  a by-election for the seat on December 5, 2020. But it declared the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner, without declaring any candidate the winner. It left for the Court the job of declaring who the APC candidate is, between Ararume and Ibezim. The two of them were laying claim to the ticket.

Frank Ibezim
Sir Frank Ibezim

It was a hard fought legal battle. But a few days ago, a Panel of Supreme Court Justices declared Ibezim the rightful candidate. Yet, Ararume fought on, writing a letter to INEC to issue him with the CoR, based on an earlier judgement by a Federal High Court which declared him the candidate.

Many people found Ararume’s move absurd, a waste of money and time, as the Supreme Court judgement over-rode any other judgement.

Finally, on Friday, INEC dashed his hope, and issued Ibezim with the CoR.

However, it is not yet uhuru for Ibezim, as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Emma Okewulonu, is at the Election  Tribunal laying claim to the ticket. He wants to be declared the winner, hinging his claim on earlier Court judgements which disqualified both Ibezim and Ararume from taking part in the By-election.

OPINION: Pantami And Buhari: Between Faith And Fame |The Source

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The Source
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0

By Umar Ardo, Ph.D

“No person, Muslim or Christian, would express Dr Pantami’s extremist views in the way and manner he variously did, and at the same time hold a Ministerial office, and be left alone except if it’s in a theocratic State and that those views represent Government views”

I don’t, with all respect, agree with the position of the federal government in retaining Sheick Dr. Isa Pantami as a cabinet minister. No person, Muslim or Christian, would express Dr. Pantami’s extremist views in the way and manner he variously did, and at the same time hold a ministerial office, and be left alone except if it’s in a theocratic state and that those views represent government views.

Granted, he didn’t express those views while in government, but the mere fact that he holds those extremist views automatically disqualifies him from holding public offices in a non-theocratic state. There is a danger to any society if people of extreme religious or ideological views hold onto political power for the simple reason that people seek public offices to implement their ideas for society. Therefore there’s always a danger for a religious preacher who has strong views on his faith to delve into the murky waters of politics. The explanation that he has changed his view with the passage of time and maturity is at best an after thought. In fact, it is a very awkward and embarrassing situation for him personally, and even for the government he serves.

Is he saying that the views were false and were adolescently expressed inadvertently at probably the age of 34 years, and that he never meant them? Are we to take it that all those views he expressed in his preachings in that age were also inadvertent and that we should discard them? Afterall, are those strong views he expressed not anchored on the scriptures and therefore the eternal words of the Creator? If that is so, then does he have the right to change or repudiate them and still claim to his faith? Should we therefore, going forward, not be suspicious of the views expressed by all Islamic Sheikhs henceforth because the allure of public office will make them recant their views anchored on Sunna in the face of the new theology of democracy/allure of public office? As it is, I believe Pantami has lost both ways – not even his adherents would take him seriously henceforth and by retaining him in office, he remains a heavy political liability to the government. Henceforth, it will be difficult if not impossible to extricate the government of charges of extremism, Islamization, fulanization, etc. It will also not help the cause of the current war against terrorism, insurgency and banditry – all because of the allure of a ministerial seat and the desire to protect that seat!

That is why it is important clerics spear their adherents their political views. As Islamic clerics, they’re well advised to restrict themselves to the tafsir of the Holy Qur’an and Hadith and stop delving into politics, whether local, national or international. For this and many other reasons including protecting the sanctity of their religions, l advise that all religious leaders be most circumspect in making public their political views shrouded in religious attires during preachings.

A most decent act would have been for Pantami to resign and restate his commitment to his faith if he really is truthful to those views. If I (Dr. Umar Ardo) were Dr. Isa Pantami, I’d’ve owned up to my words and resign, or owned up and hold to my office and allow the government to decide. I would never have repudiated them for anything on earth. But for Pantami repudiating those views claiming that they were made in error on account of adolescence (at 34 years?) and the government, in retaining him in office, to employ deceptive arrangements in his favor is not only dangerous but also a big political mistake on the part of the government. It is incumbent on the president to relieve him of his appointment for his (Pantami’s) own sake, for the sake of the president and his government, for the sake of the country and the religion all of us profess.

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