By our Correspondent 

A retired Assistant Director of Nigeria’s Department of State Services, Dennis Amachree, says the appointment of Isa Pantami as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy under former President Muhammadu Buhari raised national security concerns and exposed weaknesses in the country’s security vetting process.

Amachree made the remarks in his newly released memoir, DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield, where he reflected on the controversy that followed the resurfacing of Pantami’s past sermons and public statements in 2021.

According to the retired intelligence officer, the controversy prompted questions about how an individual overseeing Nigeria’s critical telecommunications and digital infrastructure passed through the nation’s security screening process.

He explained that the DSS carries out comprehensive background checks on nominees for sensitive public offices, examining past affiliations, public speeches, academic records, political leanings, associations and online activities before submitting intelligence reports to the President and, where necessary, the National Assembly.

Amachree, however, noted that the agency’s role is strictly advisory. While stating that he could not confirm the contents of Pantami’s security report, he said it was difficult to believe that the minister’s previous public statements would have escaped the attention of intelligence officers.

He suggested that political considerations may have outweighed security recommendations, adding that the episode reflected what he described as the politicisation of intelligence.

Amachree also recalled that the Senate had stated it received no adverse security report before confirming Pantami’s nomination. He said this leaves two possibilities: either any negative findings were removed before reaching lawmakers, or they were ignored for political reasons.

He argued that the controversy weakened public confidence in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, particularly as the government continued its fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP while defending the appointment of an official whose past statements had come under scrutiny.

Amachree concluded that the Pantami episode should serve as a cautionary lesson for future administrations, calling for greater respect for intelligence assessments and stronger safeguards to insulate national security decisions from political interference.

End

Aliyu Kombat Declares Total Support for Dr. Jamilu Gwamna’s Governorship Bid

By Our Political Reporter

Engineer Aliyu Mohammed Kombat has officially declared his support for the governorship ambition of Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna, describing him as a visionary leader with the capacity to transform Gombe State.

In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Kombat said his decision followed a series of consultations and meetings held with Dr. Gwamna, during which he carefully examined the aspirant’s vision, policies and development agenda for the state.

According to him, the discussions convinced him that Dr. Gwamna possesses a clear roadmap for the development of Gombe State and is committed to improving the welfare of its people.

Kombat stated that Dr. Gwamna’s plans focus on expanding infrastructure, empowering communities, creating educational opportunities, equipping young people with vocational skills, and improving the overall standard of living across the state.

He noted that these objectives align with his own aspiration for a more prosperous and progressive Gombe State.

“After extensive discussions and careful assessment of his vision and programmes, we are convinced that Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna has the leadership qualities, commitment and developmental agenda needed to move Gombe State forward,” he said.

Based on this conviction, Kombat formally announced his endorsement of Dr. Gwamna’s governorship aspiration and pledged his full support ahead of the next gubernatorial election.

He also called on his supporters, political associates, friends and the people of Gombe State to unite behind Dr. Gwamna by supporting and voting for him, expressing confidence that his leadership would bring sustainable development and good governance.

Kombat expressed appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty, trust and cooperation, assuring them that he would continue to uphold the confidence they have placed in him.

He concluded by praying for Allah’s guidance and blessings throughout the political journey, asking for success and what is best for the people of Gombe State.

The endorsement is expected to strengthen Dr. Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna’s political support base as preparations intensify ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Gombe State.

By Our Political Reporter

A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Hamma Saleh, has felicitated with Muslims across the state while also expressing strong opposition to what he described as the alleged imposition of Dr. Isa Ali Pantami as the party’s governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement made available to journalists, Hamma Saleh called on his supporters and political associates across the state to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding despite growing tensions surrounding the party’s internal affairs.

According to him, the principles of justice, fairness, and due process must be respected within the PDP, stressing that no individual should be imposed on party members against their collective will.

He stated that every loyal party stakeholder deserves equal opportunity and fair participation in the democratic process, adding that attempts to sideline aspirants or manipulate the process could threaten unity within the party.

“Justice must prevail. Democracy is built on fairness, consultation, and respect for the wishes of party members,” he reportedly said.

Hamma Saleh further assured his supporters that he would challenge any action capable of undermining internal democracy within the PDP in the state, insisting that the party must remain committed to transparency and credible leadership selection.

The PDP stalwart also used the opportunity to extend warm greetings to Muslims in Gombe State, urging them to continue praying for peace, unity, and progress in the state and the country at large.

He appealed to party supporters not to engage in violence or acts capable of disrupting public peace, emphasizing that political disagreements should always be handled through legitimate and democratic means.

Political observers believe the development may signal fresh political tension within the PDP in Gombe State as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

The party leadership in the state is yet to officially react to the allegations surrounding the reported endorsement or imposition of any governorship candidate.