Dr. Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, has criticized former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, over comments regarding the number of jobs and projects he allegedly attracted to Gombe State during his time in office.
Dahiru made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television while reacting to Pantami’s emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 elections in Gombe State.
According to Dahiru, Pantami publicly highlighted his achievements as minister by claiming that he facilitated over 700 jobs and more than 250 projects for Gombe State while serving in the Federal Government.
The analyst argued that the former minister may not have realized the implications of such a statement, insisting that public officials are expected to act in the national interest rather than prioritize their home states.
In his words, “Sheikh Pantami wanted to be governor of Gombe and what did he think was his eligibility for that position? That as minister he influenced over 700 jobs and more than 250 projects to Gombe State.”
Dahiru continued, “He compiled it into a compendium and launched it in the media without knowing that this amounts to cronyism, sectionalism and nepotism. He is oblivious of what he has just admitted to.”
He further stated that the former minister appeared to be presenting the alleged concentration of opportunities in Gombe State as a political advantage ahead of the governorship race.
According to Dahiru, “When you are a minister of the Federal Republic, your responsibility is to every Nigerian, not only to your state. Public offices are meant to serve the national interest.”
The political analyst added that many Nigerians have continued to complain about favoritism in appointments and project allocation, stressing that leaders should avoid actions capable of deepening divisions in the country.
He said, “This is exactly why people complain about exclusion and unequal distribution of opportunities. You cannot openly celebrate using federal office to favour one section and expect everyone to applaud you.”
Dahiru also maintained that competence and fairness should remain the guiding principles in public administration, rather than personal or regional considerations.