Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy,
says security agencies requested the shutdown of telecommunications activities
in Zamfara.
Speaking with state house correspondents at the presidential
villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, the minister said the federal government did not
object to the request when it came from the security agencies.
Pantami reiterated that the government is willing to
sacrifice economic gains in the telecoms sector for security benefits.
He said: “I am aware of the shutting down, but the request
is not from us. Rather, the request is from the security institutions, in which
they asked for that as part of their strategy.
“Because of this,
government allowed them to go ahead and even that one, the reason for doing
that I may be aware of some, but I’m sorry to say it’s not for public
discussion.
“What I only plead with all of us, as laymen, we shall try
to give our security institutions the support they need in order to deliver on
their mandate.
“Security issues today are not only for the security
institutions alone but there is a role that each and every citizen can play in
order to make their work more successful.
“So, I plead with the
media to support our security institutions and let us give them the benefit of
doubt; when they come up with a strategy, let us not unnecessarily criticise
it, except we allow them to begin and see.
“Particularly, they could have information at their disposal
that you and I do not have and if you lack information, you will not be able to
do justice in your deliberation. It is only when there is sufficient
information at your disposal, then you can argue. But if you don’t have it, even
if you partake in any debate, you will finally discover that you have made a
very wrong decision. So, it is because of this.
On whether the shutdown will be extended to Katsina, Kaduna
and other bandit-infested states, he said responding to such a question will
jeopardise security.
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