The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has debunked claims that it has plans to demolish some parts of the national mosque in Abuja.
FCDA spokesperson, Richard Nduul in a statement on Thursday denied media insinuations that Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has ordered a partial demolition of the national mosque.
His statement reads:
“The attention of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has been drawn to an online news story that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has given the Executive Secretary, Mr Shehu Ahmad, 24 hours to explain the government’s position concerning the partial demolition of the National Mosque,” NAN quoted Nduul as saying.
“The FCDA wishes to state unequivocally that as far as it is concerned, the news is fake or at best a mixed up by the reporter.
“There was no time whatsoever that the Honourable Minister of the FCT directed for the demolition of the National Mosque nor did the Executive Secretary receive any directive pertaining to the demolition of the National Mosque.”
According to the FCDA spokesperson, members of the Abuja mosque management committee led by Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, visited Wike on Wednesday to appeal for more time to develop the two plots of land allocated to the national mosque.
“One of which (Plot 63) is substantially affected by a future road development – the Inner Northern Expressway (INEX) and for which an alternative or replacement is being awaited. This is in view of the recent revocation of land title allocations which have remained undeveloped over time,” Nduul said.
“It was in the light of the above therefore that Wike who at the time was yet to be briefed on the development, directed Ahmad, to immediately brief him within 24 hours on the issue of the National Mosque Lands.
“It is pertinent to state that the minister’s directive on the status of the lands allocated to the National Mosque was contrary to what the reporter portrays as the demolition of the National Mosque.
“The above explanation is the true and correct reflection of what actually transpired, and this could also be further confirmed from the National Mosque Management Board. It is therefore hoped that this explanation will bring a closure to the so-called National Mosque demolition fallacy.”
