Former DSS Official Reveals DSS Notified Government of Pantami's Radical Views Before Ministerial Confirmation

 Former DSS Official Reveals DSS Notified Government of Pantami's Radical Views Before Ministerial Confirmation** **Abuja, Nigeria

Dennis Amachree, a former Assistant Director with the Department of State Services (DSS), has revealed that the secret police had informed the Federal Government and the National Assembly of the past radical behavior and pro-Taliban views of Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, prior to his confirmation as a minister in 2019. This revelation came amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Pantami's alleged links to Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held yesterday did not address these allegations. In an interview on PUNCH Online's program "The Roundtable," Amachree stated that the minister's confirmation by the National Assembly may have been influenced by factors such as federal character balancing, as Pantami is the only member of the Federal Executive Council from Gombe State. Amachree expressed his belief that Pantami should resign from his position as it is challenging to deradicalize individuals with extremist views. He further emphasized that the DSS possesses information on all individuals of interest, including Pantami's previous extremist views, and communicated these findings to the government and the legislature. Amachree's statement has added fuel to the ongoing debate regarding Pantami's suitability to hold a ministerial position, with calls for his resignation or dismissal intensifying. The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, moved a motion during plenary yesterday, urging the immediate resignation or sacking of the minister due to his sympathies towards the activities of insurgents.