By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Abuja National Mosque Management Board has debunked allegations suggesting that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, ordered the partial demolition of the National Mosque in Abuja.
Ambassador Haliu Shuaib, the Director of Finance and Administration, discredited these media reports during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.
Shuaib urged the Muslim faithful to ignore what he described as a “campaign of calumny” against Wike. Additionally, he characterized these reports as the work of individuals seeking to foment religious tension in the nation and tarnish the minister’s reputation.
According to Shuaib, the Board’s meeting with Wike on Wednesday was productive, and the minister received them warmly, approving their requests.
The Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, had visited the FCT minister to seek clarification on the status of plots 63 and 99. This visit followed the FCTA’s three-month grace period for undeveloped plot owners to initiate development or risk having their certification revoked.
Shuaib stated that during the meeting, Wike extended the three-month ultimatum for religious groups since they rely heavily on voluntary donations from members.
“It has come to the attention of the Abuja National Mosque Management that there is a news item making the rounds in social and print media regarding the purported partial demolition of the National Mosque.”
“The report is creating tension and anxiety among the Muslim Ummah in the country and beyond.”
“The Chairman of the Abuja National Mosque Management Board and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of the FCT, and were warmly received.”
“Discussions were constructive and cordial; issues of mutual interest were discussed.”
“As it affects the development of plot 99, the Minister was briefed that the development of the plot was receiving serious attention.”
“On the development of Plot 63, opposite Yar’adua Centre, the Chairman briefed Wike that a substantial part of the plot had been consumed by the proposed Inner Northern Expressway.”
“The Chairman, therefore, requested to know the status of the plot and that the remaining part be re-allocated and appropriate replacement of the lost portion be given to the Mosque.”
“To this request, the minister’s response was positive.”
“On renovation of the Mosque, the Chairman appealed to Wike to use his good office to complete the rehabilitation/renovation of the National Mosque. He promised to look at the issue.”
“The National Mosque wishes to inform the public that there was never a time the minister mentioned the demolition of any part of the National Mosque.”
The public should, therefore, ignore the social and print media campaign and completely disregard the fake news in circulation,” Ambassador Shuaib emphasized.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of FCDA, Shehu Ahmad, disclosed that the minister had not been briefed about the status of plot 63, which belongs to the mosque, and part of which was affected by a road interchange.
He explained that the minister gave the FCDA 24 hours to brief him on the issue and discuss compensation for the Mosque for the affected portion of the land.
“We have complied with the directive and have briefed the minister, who immediately approved that the excised portion be taken note of with a view to re-issue a title to compensate them for the lost portion.”
“The minister had assured the delegation of the support of the FCT Administration in the maintenance of the National Mosque as well as the National Christian Center as National Monuments.”
“The above explanation is the true and correct reflection of what actually transpired, as confirmed by the National Mosque Management Board.”
“It is, therefore, hoped that this explanation will close the so-called National Mosque demolition falsehood,” he said.
