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Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau has released a video in which he specifically threatened President Muhammadu Buhari, and principally his minister, Dr. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the 9 minutes video, created on Thursday 13th February 2020, surfaced on the Internet, showing Shekau reeling out threats principally against Pantami.
In the video, the Boko Haram leader, speaking in the Hausa language, accused Pantami of trying to frustrate his efforts in pursuing his extremist Islamic agenda by causing unimaginable catastrophe in the nation.
The Boko Haram leader stressed he was speaking directly to those who pretend to be good Muslims, and that not because Pantami can preach in English or because he is called a doctor, it means he has the knowledge of Islam.
From the video, it was immediately clear that the erratic Boko Haram leader is angered by the new policy direction the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has taken under the leadership of Pantami.
“This is a message I am sending out was created on Thursday 13th February. As the leader of Jamaatul Ahlil Sunna liddawati wal jihad (Boko Haram), I am speaking directly to those who pretend to be good Muslims while they are not. God will judge the hypocrites of Islam who use the platform of religion to achieve their selfish gains.
“We don’t judge people until we are sure of what we have seen in them. This video message is specifically released because of one man, who thinks he is knowledgeable. I want him to archive this message and continue referring to it till his death comes. From today onward, you will continue to live in sorrow, because I, Shekau, say so.
“This warning is for Isa All Panatami; don’t think simply because you preach in English or because you are called a doctor, it means you have knowledge of Islam. You know nothing. Today you have become a minister, and you are feeling you can achieve your selfish ends. You must know that speaking English has nothing to do with Islam.
“You said you are going to block phone lines and other means of communication, to frustrate the activities of Boko Haram, right. But you must understand that we don’t depend on such to take out our messages. Our messengers are like the angels of God. How dare you attempt to stop the works we are doing for the creator of the heavens and earth, simply because you have become a slave to the white world and the country. We pity you if you don’t repent.
“I swear to God, you are nothing. Initially, we have not begrudged with you, but now you have become a slave to the infidels; repent now and become a good Muslim. If you don’t comply from now on, death will come to you, Isa Ali Pantami.
“I call on my members in Africa, in Nigeria to rise and do the needful. Let them know that what we did to Sheik Jafar is just the tip of the iceberg. Anywhere you see Isa Ali Pantami, don’t spare him. Isa Ali Pantami you are nothing; even Jafar tried the same thing but we dealt with him; talk less of you that is nothing in Islamic practice. And from today on, you would not have rest of mind because you have dared God,” Shekau said in the video.
Recall that in order to curb crimes in the country, Pantami had in a statement issued by his Technical Assistant, Information Technology, Dr Femi Adeluyi, directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to revise the policy on SIM Card registration, and usage.
According to the statement, the directive is in line with the powers of the Minister as stated in Section 25(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003- “the Minister shall, in writing, from time to time notify the Commission or and express his views on the general policy direction of the Federal Government in respect of the communications sector.”
The revision of the policy was based on feedback received from security agencies, following the successful revalidation of improperly registered SIM cards in September 2019, and the eventual blocking of those that failed to revalidate their SIM cards.
The updated policy, TNG learnt, is expected to include the following provisions, amongst others: ensure that the National Identity Number (NIN) becomes a prerequisite for Nigerians registering new SIM cards, while for foreigners, their passports and visas would be required.
For already registered SIM cards, users are expected to update their SIM cards with their National Identity Number (NIN) on or before 1st of December, 2020.
According to the statement, NCC will ensure that only fully accredited agents support the SIM card registration process without pre-registering SIM cards themselves, while the eventual registration should be done by the operators.
When the policy is implemented, there would be a maximum number of SIM cards that can be tied to a single individual, possibly a maximum of 3; and NCC will nsure that no unregistered SIMs are ever allowed on mobile networks.
The NCC will also ensure that subscribers can easily check the number of SIM cards registered to their name, along with the associated phone numbers and networks; and also ensure that mobile network operators fortify their networks against cyberattacks and ensure that they adhere to the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
Also, the NCC will ensure that SIM cards that have been used to perpetrate crimes are permanently deactivated; and provide the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy with progress reports on the implementation of the revised policy.
In line with the directive, recently, the Minister called on the newly inaugurated Board of the NCC to ensure linking up of SIM card registration to National Identification Card (ID Card) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Pantami, who made the call at the inauguration of the Board, which was held at the ministry’s headquarters, in Abuja, said that it was an important step to take as it was part of the policy of the present administration.
“Try to see how our SIM registration will be linked up to our national identification card. It is also very important so that our BVN will all be linked up with our digital ID,” he said.
According to him, “the policy is with regard to our achievement on handling 9.4 million SIM cards, some are partially registered, some not completely registered.
“After that, President Muhammadu Buhari directed me to share that information with security agencies and also ask for their opinion on how to consolidate that achievement.
“As part of what they have sent to us, some responded that there are issues that we must address. One of them is the total number of registered SIM cards that each Nigerian should be allowed to have without difficulty”.
He further suggested that every individual should possibly have three SIM cards as regards the policy sent to the NCC as part of regulation to the board.
The Minister advised that when individuals would need additional SIM cards from the agreed number, they should provide justification in order to acquire more than the agreed number.
“In the document policy we have sent, we say possibly three, as part of regulation the board; we said possibly, possibly is not final. So it is flexible. This is based on what the Minister of Defence has sent to us,” he said.
All these are with the view to ensure citizen data harmonization in the country, which will aid in fighting against crimes in the society.
Recall that in view of this, the Minister recently chaired a meeting of the Sub Committee on Citizen Data Harmonization.
It will be recalled that the citizen data management committee was recently constituted by President Buhari with the mandate to address all concerns raised by the US government.
Given the foregoing, the fury of Shekau might not be unconnected with these recent developments in the telecoms sector. Citizen data harmonization is a pain for Shekau, so that the Boko Haram leader went haywire to the extent of threatening Buhari; the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai; a host of journalists and some other individuals.
Shekau said in the video: “And you, President Buhari, you said you are almost 80 years old and you are busy going about, and now your people have started booing, right? You just wait for your angels of death.
“And you Buratai, the chief of army staff; you tired right? Wait for your day.
“The journalists on BBC, Radio German, Radio France International, Dandal Kura, national dailies, be very careful in all that you write about us. We are not dealing with you people, we are doing the work of God. Our trust is in God and not in human beings.
“We have understood your evil plots against the religion of God, and your hypocrisy has been made known to us. Go on and plot against us in secret, we too shall converge in secret and plot against you and see who will take the day.
“However, this video is purely created because of Isa Ali Pantami. And you Bulama Bukarti in England; you heard my words in the past. All these names I mention are insignificant elements.
“And you President Buhari, simply because some persons told you that they have killed our commanders, so now you are emboldened and you want to kill Shekau, right? Who is Shekau, a small person to you? But you are now in trouble Mr. Buhari; you are in big trouble. I am still here, that little boy that has defied the leaders of the world. I am still around, you just wait, it will soon be over before we all meet in the hereafter”.
Recall that this would not be the first time the Boko Haram leader would be sending threats to President Buhari.
In 2016, Shekau had vowed to capture Buhari in a video that went viral.
In the video which was posted on YouTube, and naratted in Hausa Shekau said it was using the medium to send out message that it remained a strong force.
Shekau, however, did not appeared in the 2016 video, but the narrator said his deputy, whose name was not mentioned, represented him at the gathering.
Recorded in composite to capture two Eid grounds, the group stated its willingness to continue its jihad against the Nigerian state.
The group also called Mr. Buhari an infidel and threatened to capture him.
“This is our eid prayer from us and by the support of our leader Imam Abubakar Al-Shekau. We are extending our greetings to our people and fighters.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have began praying for the Minister.
I just saw a video of Shekau threatening Dr. Isa Ali Pantami giving his supporters go ahead to do to him what they did to late Sheikh Ja'afar Adam.
Subhanallah, May Almighty Allah continue to guide us onto the right path. In masu shirya ney Allah ya shiryar da su.— big jeeds. (@sisihauwa) February 15, 2020
Inshallah nothing bad will ever happen to sheikh pantami🙏 https://t.co/rmBnlnma9c
— Fuhrer 🏀 (@hassan_uga) February 15, 2020
The minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami has been the top notch working Minister in Nigeria so far, He has stand to work for us with Great determination and courage! Ya Allah protect this Man against the Evil people and their plans. Amen. @DrIsaPantami
— محمد ابوبكر بنتتوبي (@muhammadbintube) February 14, 2020
I've not met Dr Ali I Pantami before except from television screens. I think of him as an Islamic Scholar who wants to contribute his own quota towards uplifting our society to greater heights. I therefore urge him to continue and Allah SWA is on his side.
— Prof Musa Alabe FNSE, Exec. Chairman, YB-SUBEB (@AlabeMusa) February 15, 2020
May Allah protect your servant Dr Ali Isah pantami from the evils of The enemy Then guide him to the right path
— Umar rabiu (@Umarrab19206482) February 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/ummynatty/status/1228667719182094336?s=19
May Allah be with us all and protect us all in this country. Many people had suffered in this hands of this terrorist group .Just like him ,every other citizens need protection, the government needs to try more harder .May God help them .
— Hon.Ab Faj (FlyingAeroBoy) (@AbeebFajobi) February 15, 2020