The social media fight between the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami lightens Twitter in a dirty manner.
The conflict emerged over allegations by Dabiri-Erewa that Pantami ordered gunmen to throw NIDCOM staff out of the office given to them by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).
The minister denied the claim and said it’s a fat lie. “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 directives to any gunman. We need to be very objective in reporting. I have never sent any gunmen there, & I have no one.”
Dabiri-Erewa replied to his counter-claim on Twitter:
An Islamic scholar should not lie Hon Minister .( Phd😂😂)You did that to me cos I am a woman .Your disrespect for women is legendary Left the ugly incident behind me since Feb. But pls release all our office eguipment.Public office is transient .@DrIsaPantami https://t.co/sdcu2tBmtL
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) May 24, 2020
She supported her claim further with another video showing NIDCOM staff when they were allegedly denied access to their office on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.
@DrIsaPantami . 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!!!! pic.twitter.com/QGiIojMqyz
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) May 24, 2020
Nigerians add their thoughts to the matter:
I like the way u handled it.what do they want to use the office for, knowing u r occupying the place. U r working for the govt so also he ,the minister. Why all this? Pls the minister do something bcos we highly respect u. We don't. Expect this from u pls. She is hard working ,
— Aishatu (@Aishatu18833770) May 24, 2020
Madam, I don't think this issues can be resolved on SM. This is too childish in my own opnion between the two of you. People are looking up to the two of you and I can tell you, your followers won't be happy with this show of shame.
— Scala (@lakaas123) May 24, 2020
My take on all this is that both of you @abikedabiri and @DrIsaPantami are APC Political appiontees and by taking to the social media to address this matter, you are not doing your principal @MBuhari any good. In fact you are both ridiculing his administration by this action
— LANCE CORPORAL ALIYU MUSA GURIN (@HAKEEMLECKY) May 24, 2020