Leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, has threatened the minister of communication and digital economy, Isa Pantami, in a new video, Premium Times reported on Saturday.
Mr Shekau appeared in the nine-minute video created on Thursday in military camouflage with a turban on his head. He is also seen with an AK-47 assault rifle.
“This warning is for Isa Ali Pantami; don’t think simply because you preach in English or because you are called a doctor, it means you have knowledge of Islam. You know nothing. Today you have become a minister, and you are feeling you can achieve your selfish ends. You must know that speaking English has nothing to do with Islam,” he said in Hausa.
“You said you are going to block phone lines and other means of communication, to frustrate the activities of Boko Haram, right. But you must understand that we don’t depend on such to take out our messages. Our messengers are like the angels of God. How dare you attempt to stop the works we are doing for the creator of the heavens and earth, simply because you have become a slave to the white world and the country. We pity you if you don’t repent.”
Pantami plans to restrict mobile telecoms users from owning more than three SIM cards which would be linked with the national identification number (NIN).
“I swear to God, you are nothing. Initially, we have not begrudged with you, but now you have become a slave to the infidels; repent now and become a good Muslim. If you don’t comply from now on, death will come to you, Isa Ali Pantami. I call on my members in Africa, in Nigeria to rise and do the needful. Let them know that what we did to Sheik Jafar is just the tip of the iceberg. Anywhere you see Isa Ali Pantami, don’t spare him. Isa Ali Pantami you are nothing; even Jafar tried the same thing but we dealt with him; talk less of you that is nothing in Islamic practice. And from today on, you would not have rest of mind because you have dared God,” Shekau said.
The Boko Haram leader also threatened journalists saying they should be cautious about what they report about his group.
“The journalists on BBC, Radio German, Radio France International, Dandal Kura, national dailies, be very careful in all that you write about us. We are not dealing with you people, we are doing the work of God. Our trust is in God and not in human beings.
“We have understood your evil plots against the religion of God, and your hypocrisy has been made known to us. Go on and plot against us in secret, we too shall converge in secret and plot against and see who will take the day,” he said.
Shekau also mocked the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai; and President Muhammadu Buhari over his visit to Maiduguri, Borno State on Wednesday to sympathise with the people. About 30 travellers in the city were burnt alive by Boko Haram last Sunday.
