Authorities of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Management of the National Mosque Abuja have debunked the news of partial demolition of the National Mosque.
Director of Finance and Administration of the National Mosque, Ambassador Haliu Shuaib the Imam of the mosque, Dr Muhammad Adam and Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Ahmad addressed a joint press conference on Monday debunking the rumour of demolition of National Mosque.
A national daily had published a story of purported partial demolition of National Mosque which is creating tension and anxiety amongst the Muslim Ummah in the country and beyond.
National Mosque is, hereby, debunking the news of partial demolition of the National Mosque and wishes to set the record straight.”His Royal Highness, Etsu Nupe, Chairman, Abuja National Mosque Management Board, and his delegation paid a courtesy visit on the Hon. Minister of the FCT.
The delegation was warmly received, and the discussions were constructive as well as cordial, and issues of mutual interest were discussed as follows:
“Development of Plot 99: The Minister was briefed that the development of the
plot was receiving serious attention to the extent that the design of the project to be executed had been approved by the Development Control Department of FCDA.
“Development of Plot 63 – opposite Yar’aduwa Centre: The Chairman also briefed the Hon. Minister that the Management of the Mosque was informed that substantial part of plot
63 had been consumed by the proposed Inner Northern Express Way. The Chairman, therefore, requested to know
the current status of the plot and also that the remaining part of the plot be re-allocated to the Mosque and appropriate replacement of the fost portion
be given to the Mosque and the
Hon. Minister’s response was
positive.
“Renovation of the Mosque: The Chairman used the opportunity to appeal to the Hon. Minister to use his good offices to complete the rehabilitation/renovation of the National Mosque, which the Hon. Minister promised to look at the issue.
“The National Mosque wishes to inform the general public that during the
meeting between the Board Chairman and the Honourable Minister, there was never a time the Honourable Minister
mentioned the demolition of any part of the National Mosque. He, however, gave an example of demolishing of a mosque in Port Harcourt, which did not exist when he was a governor. Like what happened now, he revealed that social
media can cause confusion in society if care is not taken.
“The general public should, therefore, ignore the social and print media campaign and completely disregard the fake news in circulation.”
Dr. Adam warned the media and residents against spreading unfounded allegations noting that it would not only sow seeds of discord but will also
undermine the unity and harmony within our diverse society.
The warning comes at a time when misinformation and fake news pose a significant challenge in maintaining
public trust and harmony.
This statement serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-checking and responsible information sharing within
society.
Similarly, the Federal Capital
Development Authority (FCDA) has categorically denied these claims, emphasising that no such decision has been made or even considered.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu
Ahmed, said that there was no point the Minister ordered him or any agency of government to demolish any part of the
National Mosque.
Ahmed, however, issued a stern warning against the proliferation of false information and a campaign of calumny
targeting the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in relation to the National Mosque.
A media organisation published a misleading information that the FCT Minister ordered a partial demolition of Abuja National Mosque.
“Following the courtesy call on the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike by the management of the Abuja National Mosque, led by His Royal Highness,
Etsu Nupe, Chairman, Abuja National Mosque Management Board, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, in the last two days there have been viral on social media
and other reactions to the misleading publication.
“The issue of undeveloped plot which the National Mosque was involved. Plot 99
had no problem, but plot 63 has
an issue.
Already, the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre have been
declared national monuments, so they have been given time for development.
Plot 63 is the plot directly opposite the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre which has a portion for a future road, the Inner Northern Express Way, INEX which transverses the Abuja city Centre and continues to Kubwa and Dei Dei.” Ahmed said
The Executive Secretary of FCDA, said the minister had told his guests that he has not been briefed about the status of a plot belonging to the mosque, part of which is affected by a road interchange.
Accordingly, Wike gave the FCDA 24 hours to bring the matter up and brief him in order to speed up on the issue with a view to compensating the
mosque for the portion of its
undeveloped land, Plot 63, lost to the road interchange.
“We have complied with the directive and have briefed the minister and he has
immediately approved that the excised portion be taken note of and re-issue a title to compensate them for the lost
portion.
“Indeed, as a further demonstration of good faith, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike assured
the delegation of the support of the FCT Administration in the maintenance of the National Mosque as well as the National
Christian Center which are all
National Monuments.
“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”, he stated.