The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has refuted an online report claiming that the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has given the Executive Secretary, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, 24 hours to explain government’s position concerning the partial demolition of the National Mosque.
Richard A. Nduul, head, Public Relations/Information of the FCDA in a statement yesterday said, ‘’The FCDA wishes to state unequivocally that as far as it is concerned, this news is fake or at best a mixed up by the reporter; as there was no time whatsoever that the Honourable Minister of the FCT directed for the demolition of the National Mosque neither did the Executive Secretary receive any directive pertaining to the demolition of the National Mosque.
‘’What actually happened was that during a courtesy visit on Wednesday 18/10/2023 by members of the Abuja Mosque Management Committee led by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the delegation pleaded with the FCT Minister for more time to develop the two plots of land allocated to the National Mosque by the FCT Administration, 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.
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‘’It was in the light of the above therefore that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, who at the time was yet to be briefed on the development, directed the Executive Secretary, Engr.Shehu Hadi Ahmad, who was also in attendance at the event, to immediately brief him within 24hours on the issue of the National Mosque lands. It is pertinent to state that the Honourable Minister’s directive to the Executive Secretary was on the status of the lands allocated to the National Mosque contrary to what the reporter portrays as the demolition of the National Mosque.
‘’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.’’
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