Management of the Abuja national mosque has debunked social media reports on the purported partial demolition of the mosque by the minister of FCT, Nyesome Wike. The management urged Nigerians to ignore the report.
According to the statement, the minister never mentioned plans to demolish any part of the mosque when a delegation of the board paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday.
The statement reads: “It has come to the attention of the Abuja National Mosque Management of a news item circulating in social and print media regarding the purported partial demolition of the National Mosque which is creating tension and anxiety amongst the Muslim Ummah in the country and beyond.
“The Mosque is, hereby, debunking the news of the 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 to 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 Center: 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 lost 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.
“The general public should, therefore, ignore the social and print media campaigns and completely disregard the fake news in circulation.”
