Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has revealed why he stayed away from political activities in Gombe State while serving under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Pantami made the disclosure during an interview on TVC where he spoke about disagreements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He explained that Buhari advised him to avoid direct involvement in Gombe politics in order to prevent problems with the state governor at the time.
According to him, the instruction from the former president was meant to help maintain peace within the party and avoid unnecessary clashes between federal officials and the state government. Pantami said he accepted the advice because he believed it was important to respect the decision of the president who appointed him into office.
The former minister stated that remaining neutral in state politics allowed him to focus fully on his duties at the federal level. He added that the move also helped him attract development projects to different parts of Gombe State without creating tension within the political structure of the state.
Pantami said some people wrongly believed he abandoned politics in his home state during his time in office. However, he maintained that he stayed loyal to the party and continued supporting the people through projects, youth empowerment and mentorship programmes across several local government areas.
Speaking further, Pantami said his situation has now changed because he is no longer serving in the federal cabinet. He noted that he has returned to active politics following pressure and encouragement from supporters and party members at the grassroots.
He said: “Buhari advised me stayed away from Gombe politics because of instructions I received while serving in government. The advice was to prevent any clash between the federal side and the state government.
“I accepted the instruction because I was working under the president and I respected that position.Keeping away from local politics helped me focus fully on my federal duties.
“Now that I am no longer in government, I am back in active politics due to pressure from my supporters.”
