From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Coalition of Northeast Movement for Gombe has dismissed allegations linking former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to the alleged unlawful acquisition of properties in Abuja, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Tasiu Pantami, the coalition was reacting to calls by a group, Concerned Gombe Citizens, urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the former minister over alleged property acquisitions in the Federal Capital Territory.
The coalition said while citizens have the constitutional right to demand accountability from public office holders, such demands must be supported by credible and verifiable evidence rather than speculation or political accusations.
According to the statement, the accusers acknowledged that their claims were merely allegations but failed to provide documentary evidence, such as ownership records, dates of acquisition, purchase values or any material linking the properties to unlawful conduct.
“Allegations alone do not amount to evidence. Accountability must be founded on verifiable facts and due process, not conjecture or media campaigns,” the statement said.
The coalition stressed that anti-corruption agencies operate within the framework of the law and should not be drawn into politically motivated disputes without a prima facie basis.
It noted that Pantami served as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) before becoming Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, adding that he fulfilled constitutional obligations, including asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The group argued that ownership of property does not, by itself, constitute evidence of corruption, maintaining that anyone alleging unexplained wealth must demonstrate that the assets are inconsistent with lawful income.
It also highlighted Pantami’s longstanding career in academia and technology, describing him as a professor of cybersecurity, researcher, author, consultant and Islamic scholar whose legitimate earnings span more than two decades.
Reaffirming confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, the coalition said Pantami would cooperate with any lawful investigation if required. However, it warned against using anti-graft agencies for political purposes ahead of the 2027 Gombe governorship election.
The coalition urged anyone with credible evidence to present it to the appropriate authorities, insisting that accountability should be pursued through facts, evidence and the rule of law while respecting the constitutional presumption of innocence.