By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Coalition of Northeast Movement for Good Governance has dismissed allegations linking former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, to the alleged acquisition of properties in Abuja through unlawful means, describing the claims as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Ahijo Umar, the coalition was reacting to a call by a group known as Concerned Gombe Citizens, which urged 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 based on verifiable evidence rather than speculation, innuendo or political considerations.
According to the statement, the accusers themselves acknowledged that their claims remained allegations but failed to provide documentary evidence such as property records, dates of acquisition, purchase values, company details or any other material linking the assets to unlawful conduct.
“Allegations alone do not amount to evidence. Anti-corruption investigations should be founded on credible facts and a prima facie case, not media campaigns or political accusations,” the coalition stated.
It noted that Pantami served as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) before becoming Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, during which he complied with constitutional requirements, including asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The coalition argued that ownership of property is not, by itself, evidence of corruption, stressing that anyone alleging unexplained wealth must demonstrate that the assets are inconsistent with the individual’s known and legitimate sources of income.
It further highlighted Pantami’s longstanding career in academia and technology, describing him as a professor of cybersecurity, author, researcher, consultant and Islamic scholar whose professional engagements span more than two decades.
The group maintained that, apart from his earnings from public service, Pantami was entitled to income from legitimate private engagements, investments and other lawful sources.
“We reject attempts to create the impression that owning property in Abuja is, in itself, proof of wrongdoing. Legitimate acquisition of assets through lawful means should not be criminalised,” the statement said.
Reaffirming confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, the coalition said Pantami had nothing to hide and would cooperate fully with any lawful investigation by the EFCC or ICPC, if required.
However, it cautioned against what it described as attempts to use anti-graft agencies as instruments of political persecution ahead of the 2027 Gombe governorship election, warning that selective allegations without credible evidence could undermine public confidence in the fight against corruption.
The coalition also urged public discourse to focus on issues of governance and development rather than unverified allegations.
It cited Pantami’s contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy during his tenure as minister and said debates should centre on policy and governance rather than what it described as baseless claims.
The group called on anyone in possession of credible evidence relating to the allegations to present it to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, insisting that accountability must always be pursued within the framework of the law and supported by facts rather than speculation.
