By Emeka Okafor
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Wednesday said the controversies surrounding Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Ali Isa Pantami, was not discussed at today weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Pantami has been under intense pressure to resign his position as member of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet over his alleged support for the activities of extremist groups, Al-Qaeda and Taliban, in the past.
Various groups and individuals including Governor Nyesom Wike had called for Pantami’s sack or resignation over the controversies.
Mohammed told State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting that the issue was not discussed by the council.
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The raging controversy around Pantami was over his alleged past positions on activities of extremist groups, Al-Qaeda and Taliban, which he was reported to have approved and commended.
Mohammed had led the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola to the State House media gallery for the post-FEC briefing.
Mohammed was asked whether the council discussed the matter and if the government was comfortable with its burden on its image.
Mohammed said, “I’m not going to go into the issue of whether government is comfortable or not. I will answer your question directly. It was not discussed at the council meeting.”
A US report had indicted the minister of supporting the activities of the extremists and subsequently placed on a watch-list.
