The Coalition of North East Groups has condemned the allegation linking the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami with terrorism and other forms of criminality.
Coalition coordinator, Mal. Abubakar Modire at a press briefing in Gombe Wednesday, said the recent media report purporting Dr Pantami to have links with terrorist organisations was aimed at tarnishing the good image and reputation of the minister.
“Dr Pantami who has built a reputation for himself as a renowned Islamic cleric and stood up against those with extreme religious views couldn’t be associated with any act of terrorism.
He said the allegations are being perpetrated by some political power-seekers who see Pantami as a threat following the transformation of the communication ministry aimed at tackling insecurity in some part of the country.
He further said, the trend unfolding against the North and its leaders is unacceptable, calling on the federal government to use its powers, call on the media operators to order in their reporting of all security situations in the country.
“We are appealing to media organisations to desist from publishing stories with bias against particular religious and ethnic groups that can inflame tension in the country.
“We are also calling on professional bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Guild of Editors to ensure the ethics of the profession is being adhered to by media organisations,” he said.
