For Nigeria to avoid disintegration: Northern Elders’ Forum calls for a citizen-driven national dialogue

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. Statement by Northern Elders Forum on Escalating Threats to National Security, Unity and Integrity. Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is convinced that it is time to respond to issues that threaten our collective security and the unity and integrity of the country.The Forum has held back on joining issues with persons and groups intent on provoking the type of crises that will escalate beyond control or mitigation by leaders who are collectively showing definite signs that they unwilling to steer the country away from the dangerous threats which are crippling it. It is now clear that elected people sworn to protect the constitution and protect the unity and integrity of Nigeria have decided to surrender to deeply divisive or outrightly irredentist and secessionist tendencies and movements. In the South East, governors are yielding their political turf and mandates to secessionists, criminals and subversives who think they can exterminate federal presence and northerners from the region, and achieve dubious political goals related to 2023, or break away from the country. In the South West, elected leaders and pampered ethnic bullies are closing ranks to provide a front that apes the do-what-we-want-or-we-leave-the-country strategy of the marginalized leaders of the South East. Governors are building ethnic monsters and hiding behind them to whip up sentiments in a crude attempt to extract concessions no one is in a position to give or guarantee. The South South is squeezed between fear and uncertainty, and its leaders are gambling that they can benefit from further weakening the federal administration and the North if it rides along with the rest of the South.A plastic unity is being contrived to create the impression that the entire South is united behind shared grievances against the Presidency and Fulani herders and all northerners who are cast as fair game in responding to all of President Buhari’s multiple failures. A desperate but futile attempt is being made to split the North along lines that suit people who ignore its complexities and plurality when it is convenient to lump all Northerners and submit them to humiliation or attacks. The NEF recognizes that most of these provocations feed from the widespread perception of a weak national leadership and a broken political process that has become captive of narrow political interests. For the record, the forum restates its support for a programmed transition that will eliminate open grazing and the establishment of productive, safe and sustainable options in managing our huge national asset in animal husbandry. This cannot be achieved with threats and harassment, but with commitment and collaboration involving all governments and stakeholders. It is in everyone’s interests to support an urgent national initiative that will engineer a safe and productive transition to the end of open grazing. In the meantime, the forum must warn those attacking and killing Fulani headers to stop. There are limits to every community’s tolerance, and the forum strongly advises that lines are respected in the manner we treat Nigerians who are vulnerable wherever they live. The forum has always supported initiatives that improve the quality of inputs into how Nigerians can address the limitations in the manner the country is operated. It is unfortunate that the current efforts of the National Assembly to amend the constitution enjoys little or no confidence among Nigerians that they will address the fundamental challenges which need to be comprehensively addressed, although this can be redressed if our elected representatives recognize the historic opportunities they have to move this country beyond its strangulating challenges. The negative attitude of the Presidency towards engaging Nigerians to tap into ideas, grievances and goodwill of many citizens who mean well is ill-informed and, under our current circumstances, dangerous. So are postures that issue opportunistic ultimatums over convening national dialogue by the President. The forum supports a citizen-driven national dialogue and a campaign to get the government to accord its outcome the respect it deserves. The forum extends its hands to groups that genuinely believe that Nigerians should demand and design the type of country we want, and should not wait for people we elected to set the boundaries and conditions of our existence. The forum restates that the North will not be cowed and stampeded into escorting political ambitions of politicians at the cost of its rights, security and dignity.It demands that President Buhari asserts the powers our constitution gives him to protect our territorial integrity and secure citizens, or accept that he is incapable of leading the nation through these unprecedented challenges. Attacks on lawful Fulani and other Northerners in the South must stop, and those who have killed them must be brought to book. The nation needs to know that Northerners in many parts of the South now live in heightened fear as they are profiled and harassed by elements in host communities who believe that there are no consequences for their actions. The forum demands an end to attacks on federal agents and facilities.Governors in the South must be unambiguous in their condemnation and resistance against these dangerous activities.They cannot continue to walk on both sides of the street.Northern governors should note that they are rapidly receding into irrelevance as desperate citizens chalk up their silence over multiple assaults in a country where they have equal rights to their security and dignity. If our country is to survive its current difficulties and build a better nation, President Buhari must improve his levels of competence, awareness that the nation is sliding into disaster and sensitivity to the frustrations of Nigerians.Other political leaders who take advantage of the limitations of the President to light fires should know that they will get burnt in them.Overwhelming majority of Nigerians do not want war or an end to our union. We just want an end to insecurity, escalating cost of living and the hate and the fear which our leaders are triggering.The forum restates its readiness to engage any group of Nigerians in exploring productive paths to a better future.What it will not do is to watch as the North is damaged further by cynical southern politicians and adventurers who think the North is too weak to protect its own interests. The forum once again condoles the nation and families of Lt-Gen I Attahiru and other military officers who died in active duty.May God bestow His Mercies on their souls. Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Director, Publicity and Advocacy Northern Elders Forum Abuja

Middle Belt berates Buhari, says Nigeria not a Fulani colony; calls on Nigerians to resist imposition of foreign Fulanis

The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, has cautioned the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government to desist from imposing Fulani from all parts of Africa on Nigeria, insisting that Nigeria is not a Fulani colony. National President of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu sounded the warning Tuesday in Makurdi while reacting to the statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu who questioned the legality of the decision of Southern Governors to ban open grazing hinting that the Federal Government would commence rehabilitation work on grazing reserves in the country next month. The MBF urged all Nigerians to join forces with southern governors to resist the evil plot and not allow it to happen. According to him, “we have a government that is so distant from reality. We have never had this kind of government before. A government that is living in the 50s while we are now in the 21st century. It is just unfortunate. “Given that they have made the statement, all we can do is to first of all appreciate their mind set. Their mind set is archaic and retrogressive. It is sectional and nepotistic. “A real government is supposed to look at the realities of the moment and see how the government can holistically develop the entire society called Nigeria. “It is unfortunate of course that Garba Shehu continues to issue such statements on behalf of the President. But it also show that that is the mindset of the President because there has never been a time when he issued such statements and the president says no. It shows that it is the presidency that issued the statement. “And it is unfortunate because Governors have roles as provided by the constitution, because they are the Chief Security Officers of their states. “They have seen the situation that under the cover of herding people commit heinous crimes, killing people, sacking them from their ancestral land and destroying their crops and making life even uncomfortable to the extent that they cannot go to farms anymore. “So what the Governors did was appropriate to ensure that the herders must start to ranch if they want to stay in the place. The right the constitution gave to everybody to reside in any part of the country does not give them the right to make life uncomfortable for others in that part of the country. “And I do not know which constitution the presidency is reading. Maybe they have a different constitution from the one Nigerians have. So the truth remains that it is unfortunate that we have this kind of government in place. It is unfortunate also that such statements are coming out from this government. “This government needs to know that they are there to govern the entire Nigeria and not to govern a section of Nigeria and impose the wishes and wills of that section on other Nigerians. “Those of us in the Middle Belt have cried out loud and clear for a long time. Now it has gone southwards and they are being heard. So the Southern Governors have the constitutional right to remain the Chief Security Officers of their states. “They work within the constitutional provision to protect their people because the first assignment of government is security and welfare and what they are doing is to provide security for their people. “They have the right under the constitution to do that. The federal government may go to the Supreme Court for interpretation but as far as I am concerned, the Governors have the right to secure their people. “Again, majority of the herders who are attacking the people are not even Nigerians. This government all along says Nigerians know their local Fulani herders. So a policy should come out that would accommodate the local Fulani to start ranching in the places they are known. “Why are they imposing foreign Fulani on us? Has Nigeria become a Fulani colony? That should not happen and Nigerians should stand up and resist it. Not only the southern governors, everybody should resist it. Nigeria is not a Fulani colony and Buhari and his team cannot impose all Fulani round Africa on Nigeria. We cannot accept that, the Southern Governors should not accept it and all Nigerians should not accept that.” • Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/05/were-not-a-fulani-colony-middle-belt-forum-tells-presidency/

Chief Edwin Clark: REP’s Minority Caucus celebrates an elder statesman @ 94

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has congratulated a celebrated nationalist and former minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark as he marks his 94th birthday anniversary According to a statement by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Caucus said that Chief Edwin Clark had remained a leading light, fearless democrat and forthright leader, who has continued to demonstrate an undiminished commitment towards the entrenchment of good governance elements of fairness, rule of law, justice and equity in our national polity. "His unrelenting quest towards national stability through the establishment of constitutional federalism and recognition of the rights, privilege, aspirations and sensibilities of coalescing entities, distinguishes him as an insightful leader, who understands the nuances of our nation and the solution for the challenges we face. "Furthermore, Chief Edwin Clark’s innumerable contributions towards the development of our nation, including the establishment of the Edwin Clark University in his hometown as well as his role towards the establishment of the University of Benin offers a glimpse into his commitment for the future of our nation. "The Minority Caucus celebrates Chief Clark on this auspicious occasion and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health," the Caucus prayed in the Statement.

STATE OF THE NATION: Southern governors shun political differences, ban open grazing, call for national confab, demand state police, kick against lopsided appointments

Governors of Southern Nigeria put politics aside today, May 11, 2021 at Asaba, Delta state capital and took far reaching decisions in which they spoke the minds of citizens of the region. Rising from a meeting, the governors without mincing words literally told President Muhammadu Buhari the following: 1. That his appointments are lopsided and must be corrected to show national diversity. 2. That open grazing is banned in Southern Nigeria and that the ban will be strictly implemented effective immediately in the entire south. 3. That Buhari should convene a national conference. 4. That State police be immediately allowed. 5. That ports be made operational in other towns aside Lagos. In the communiqué read by Chairman of Southern Governors Forum, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, they said that prevailing insecurity in the country had presented severe security challenge such that citizens were unable to live normal lives, including pursuing productive activities. The Forum stated that the precarious security situation in the country had become a threat to food supply, adding that the development and population growth had put pressure on available land and increased prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South. The governors called on the Federal Government to support willing States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems. They agreed that the progress of the nation required that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure Nigeria’s federation to encourage evolution of state police, revenue allocation formula review in favour of sub-national governments and creation of institutions which would legitimately advance commitment to and practice of true federalism. The governors also urged the Federal Government to convoke a national dialogue in view of widespread agitations among various peoples ``for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements’’. "The governors recommended a review of appointments into Federal Government agencies, including security agencies, to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogenous. "The governors expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and the chokehold it has exerted on the nation’s economy being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf. "The meeting recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other States of the federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic activities in the country,’’ they stated. The Forum also expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country over COVID-19 pandemic as announced by the Federal Government on Monday, and called for greater coordination and cooperation between federal and state governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic. "The Southern Governors also expressed very grave concern on the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the challenges and restore the confidence of the people." Those who attended the meeting were Governors Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, who was the host. Others were Governors Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Willie Obiano of Anambra and Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom, Mr Moses Ekpo and his Imo counterpart, Prof. Placid Njoku. Governors of Osun and Cross River, Isiaka Gboyega and Prof. Ben Ayade were absent at the meeting. Below is full text of the Southern Governors’ communiqué COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA, DELTA STATE, ON TUESDAY, 11TH MAY, 2021 At its meeting held today, 11th May, 2021, the Southern Governors Forum reviewed the situation in the nation generally and focused on the current security situation, agitations/restructuring, prospect for inter-state collaboration and partnerships as well as on the incidence of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Rising from the meeting, the Forum: affirmed that the peoples of Southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice, fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economic development and prosperity; observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives including pursuing various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security. Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria; noted that development and population growth has put pressure on available land and increased the prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South. Given this scenario, it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the South (including cattle movement to the South by foot); recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems; agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the Nigerian Federation leading to the evolution of state police, review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism; recommended that in view of widespread agitations among our various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency; recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of our various peoples, there is need to review appointments into Federal Government Agencies (including Security Agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogenous; resolved to foster cooperation among the Southern States and the nation at large; expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the Oshodi - Apapa Expressway and the chokehold it has exerted on the nation’s economy being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf. The meeting therefore recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other States of the federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic activities in the country; the meeting expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country, and therefore suggested greater coordination and cooperation between Federal and State Governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic; expressed very grave concern on the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged that Mr. President should address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of our people; and expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his generosity and hospitality. Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN Governor, Ondo State His Excellency His Excellency Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu Chief Emmanuel Udom Governor, Abia State Governor, Akwa Ibom State His Excellency His Excellency Willie Obiano Senator Diri Duoye Governor, Anambra State Governor, Bayelsa State His Excellency His Excellency Prof. Ben Ayade Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa Governor, Cross Rivers State Governor, Delta State His Excellency His Excellency Engr. Dave Umahi Godwin Obaseki Governor, Ebonyi State Governor, Edo State His Excellency His Excellency John Olukayode Fayemi Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Governor, Ekiti State Governor, Enugu State His Excellency His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma Babajide Sanwo-Olu Governor, Imo State Governor, Lagos State His Excellency His Excellency Dapo Abiodun Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola Governor, Ogun State Governor, Osun State His Excellency His Excellency Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde Ezenwo Nyesom Wike Governor, Oyo State Governor, Rivers State

PRESS RELEASE - Isa Pantami: Elumelu’s motion properly presented, Minority Caucus refutes House spokesman’s claims; insists on Pantami’s resignation; demands apology to Minority Leader over reckless statement

The attention of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has been drawn to a statement by the Chairman of House Committee on Media and Public Affairs/ Spokesman of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, which clearly exposed a sinister intention to misrepresent the rules of the House, mislead the undiscerning public and frustrate genuine effort in the fight against terrorism in our country! We find it shocking that instead of standing with Nigerians at this critical moment, Hon. Kalu chose to engage in personal attack on the Minority Leader, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, for pointing to the dangers of retaining in office, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, after reports of the minister’s support for terrorists came to the fore. This is especially after the minister himself admitted to the facts of his sympsthy for violent, extremist and terrorist groups, including, the al-Qaida and Taliban. Indeed, Hon. Kalu’s claim that our Minority Leader did not properly present his motion, under an appropriate rule is completely dumb, frivolous and exposes his poor knowledge of the legislative procedures. It also points to a deliberate scheme to jeopardize our nation’s fight against terrorism. Furthermore, we take a strong exception to Hon. Kalu’s vain posturing of trying to tutor the Minority Leader, a well respected seasoned legislator, on the House Standing Rules and parliamentary convention! It is instructive to state that the motion by the Minority Leader calling for the resignation or sack of the Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari was properly presented under the House rules as provided in Order 6: 1,2&3 (Privileges), contrary to claims by Hon. Kalu. Order 6:1,2,3 clearly and generously provide for full debate on the issue brought pursuant to it. For the avoidance of doubt, while sub-section 2 of Order 6 provides that “whenever a matter of privilege arises, it shall be taken into consideration immediately”, sub section 3 is clear in providing that whenever a matter of privilege arises, it shall be disposed of and no other issue shall be considered until *“the debate* on a motion thereon” is adjourned….”. Moreover, it is clear that the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, conceded to the appropriateness of the Order, under which the Minority Leader presented his motion, and for that, did not rule him out of order, regarding the presentation of the motion and its consequential prayers. Furthermore, the Hon. Speaker, in accepting the motion, announced that the issues raised have been noted. It is therefore, completely irresponsible for anybody, let alone the spokesperson of the House, who should be abreast of the Rules, to state that the Minority Leader ought to have known better than coming under Order 6. His statement is therefore in bad faith and should be disregarded and withdrawn by him immediately. Our Caucus will not condone any unwarranted attack on any of our colleagues, let alone the Minority Leader, who is doing very well by speaking the mind of the silent majority of Nigerians, who have no platforms to speak out. In any case, we are aware that Hon. Kalu was not in Plenary when the motion was moved. We expected him to have consulted the Rule book before attacking the Minority Leader. For we believe if he had done that, he would have saved the 9th House of Representatives the embarrassment his statement has caused! We therefore demand that Hon. Kalu should withdraw his statement and tender an unreserved apology to the Minority Leader and Nigerians for misrepresenting the rules of the House. Our caucus, standing with millions of Nigerians, also demands that the Speaker should immediately act on the prayers of the motion, by conveying same as the position of the House to Mr. President, having accepted the appropriateness of the procedure and taken legislative note of the prayers therein. As a caucus, we stand behind the Minority Leader in insisting that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, should resign or be removed by President Muhammadu Buhari, as his continued stay in office poses great threat to our national security. Insecurity is blind to creed and party colourations and this underscores why the Caucus will resist any attempt by anyone to politicize a clear existential threat to our motherland! Signed: Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo, Spokesman, Minority Caucus, House of Representatives

PDP Press Statement - Pantami: Presidency’s Statement Confirms Sympathy For Terrorism

Isa Pantami The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the statement by the Buhari Presidency, in which it shows desperation to provide official cover to a terrorism apologist further confirms public and international apprehensions that the Buhari administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are patronizing acts of terrorism in our country. Nigerians were traumatized that the Presidency could mount a hopeless defense and justification for the actions of the exposed Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who had already confessed to supporting terrorist groups like al-Qaida and Taliban. It is instructive to note that this anti-people stance has heightened public anxiety that the Buhari Presidency is a haven for traitors who are providing support to acts of terrorist activities in our nation. Our party holds that this has further exposed why the Buhari Presidency has failed to decisively confront terrorism as well as why terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and insurgents are emboldened to ravage our nation and massacre our compatriots. It is inexcusable that the Buhari Presidency is showing grave insensitivity to the fact that thousands of Nigerians have been massacred, maimed and horrified; that hundreds of communities have been devastated and that our nation has been under siege because of the actions and public comments by individuals like Isa Pantami. Our party notes that if indeed, the Buhari Presidency has not found itself entangled, the least it ought to have done in the face of allegations against Pantami was to reassure Nigerians by first relieving Isa Pantami of his office and hand him over to the appropriate agency for deradicalization. The PDP asserts that it is pertinent to point out that Isa Pantami had initially denied his support to terrorist groups and only admitted after he was overwhelmed by evidence; thus rubbishing the lame claims by the Buhari Presidency that the minister had turned a new leaf 20 years ago. The PDP holds that Isa Pantami belongs to the deradicalization center and not in any way in the Federal Executive Council where he been alleged of compromising our national security as evinced in his initial denials. This is in addition to allegations in the public space that the exposed minister had been compromising our national data as well as the NIN registration exercise, wherein aliens and invaders from other countries were alleged to have been registered as our citizens. These are issues that our party insists must be investigated by the Department of State Services (DSS). As a party, the PDP charges President Muhammadu Buhari to reassure the citizens by immediately withdrawing the statement from his Presidency, relieve Isa Pantami of his position as minister and take a bold step to flush out terrorist apologists from the Presidency. Signed: Kola Ologbondiyan National Publicity Secretary

Reps Minority Leader Elumelu raises motion for Pantami’s removal

House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, making his contributions during plenary. Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, has joined calls for the removal or resignation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami. The lawmaker on Wednesday, April 21, in a motion raised at Plenary titled, “A Call To Investigate Sheik Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister Of Communication And Digital Economy’s Link To Terrorist Groups - A Potential Threat To National Security,” said Pantami does not qualify to oversee the Ministry of Communications which controls the database of Nigerians. Highlighting Sheik Pantami's past controversial comments suggesting religious extremism, Elumelu noted that the Minister occupies a very sensitive position and the comments should not be overlooked. “Further note that there have been repeated insinuations that Sheik Ali Ibrahim Isa Pantami has direct links and personally subscribes to the extreme Islamic beliefs of Al Queada, Taliban and Boko Haram sects. “Aware that there are compelling evidence in the cyber space to buttress and lend strong credence to a relationship and existing mutual collaboration between Sheik Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami and the deceased Yemeni terrorist, Al Barnawi, a mentor to the Nigerian born Christmas day bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. “Further aware that the Honourable minister while answering questions during his daily Ramadan lecture at Annor Mosque a few days back, owned up to the fact that he took extreme positions in support of the brutal exploits of Al Qaeda and the Taliban out of ignorance. “Concerned, that these allegations and relevant evidence in the cyber space and other informative platforms have been overlooked and glossed over by relevant authorities, thereby refusing to take appropriate security measures in examining the strands of facts and its implication on national security. “For over 10 years, the insurgency in the North East has cost Nigeria military high casualty level, moral depletion among its personnel, billions of dollars in financial resources, huge human and material displacement, culminating in high level of unemployment among the populace of that region. “There have been instances in the recent past where top government officials have been complicit and acted as moles at divulging government strategy to the insurgents without traces, and some openly lend financial support to the insurgency in the North East. “Worried that if these allegations are allowed to wear away without proper investigation and taking necessary actions, this may be the beginning of an end to our great country Nigeria,” Elumelu stated in his motion. The Minority Leader therefore prayed the House to mandate its committee on National security to investigate the matter and report back in four weeks, while in the same vein urged the minister to honorably step aside to give room for an unfettered investigation. Hon. Elumelu's motion comes against the backdrop of recent overwhelming calls for the resignation or sack of the minister over his pro-Taliban comments. The increasing calls have come in the wake of revealing audio recordings of Mr Pantami’s past teachings where he declared support for Al-Qaeda and Taliban.