There is a curious drama between the Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the Minister for Communication, Dr Isa Pantami as they both fight on Twitter
Nigerian’s were shocked to read social media exchanges both high profile federal government officials over the weekend.
The quarrel is believed to have started when the Minister allegedly denied staff of the Diaspora Commission access to the office it shares with the Nigerian Communication Commission. The staff are also alleged to have been chased away by armed security operatives. The incident occurred while Dabiri-Erewa was out of the country on official tour.
She believes the Minister took the action because she is a a woman who heads a commission. According to her,
“You did that to me because I am a woman. Your disrespect for women is legendary. Left the ugly incident behind me since Feb. But please release all our equipment. Public office is transient. @DrIsaPantami.
When a friend of hers Bola Olaosebikan expressed concern over the incident, the Diaspora Commission Chairman told her that:
“We have since moved on. We don’t need that particular office . Let @DrIsaPantami just be gracious enough to tell us where he locked up our equipment and release them. After the lockdown , we will settle for some options we already have . Thank you.
The minister insisted he had no knowledge of the eviction but Dabiri-Erewa would have none of that insisting that:
“To refresh you Sir. Despite your denial. The Sec of the Commission seeking for calm .after Staff resumed for work and denied access to the 5th floor office of Nidcom.. Based on your instruction . Turned back by armed men. Haba!!!!
She then posted a video to the the minister on twitter of the senior member of her commission calming her staff in the face of the the challenge:
“An Islamic scholar should not lie Hon Minister .( Phd) The Secretary of NiDCOM addressing the staff of the Commission shortly after being locked out of their office on the order of the Minister @DrIsaPantami on the 11th of February, 2020. Notice of evacuation was given via a text message on the 9th of February, 2020.
This was also followed by an interview granted Abike Dabiri-Erewa by Sahara Reporters and a tweet by the media house that “Nigeria’s Communication Minister, Dr Isa Pantami asks Gunmen to chase Abike Dabiri, other NIDCOM staff from office complex in Abuja.
Responding on behalf of NCC, the owner of the building, the Director, Public Affairs Dr Henry Nkemadu issued a press statement, still on twitter denying evicting the Diaspora Commission:
Staff of the Ministery of Communication thereafter responded on behalf of his principal, Dr Isa Pantami: “THIS IS A FAT LIE FROM HER. The owner of the building @NgComCommission has faulted her lies on their social media platforms. The Minister has never given that directive to any gunmen here, and I have no one.
It is uncertain how and when the issues will be resolved as Nigerians watch the unfolding drama with keen interest as Dabiri-Erewa and Dr Isa Pantami fight on Twitter.
