Abuja National Mosque Board Defends Wike, Shuns Rumored Demolition Plan

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been vindicated over the news making the rounds that his ministry plans to demolish a part of the Abuja National Mosque.

In a recent statement made available to newsmen, the Abuja National Mosque Management Board discredited the false reports circulating on social media, urging the Muslim community to ignore the viral reports.

It said the speculations are the result of conflict merchants attempting to stir up religious tensions and tarnish the minister’s reputation. The board’s visit to the minister on Wednesday was successful, as the former Governor of Rivers State welcomed them warmly and granted approval for their requests.

The Board, led by its Chairman, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, had visited the minister on Wednesday to seek clarification on the status of its plots, 63 and 99, in the wake of the administration’s drive to recover all ground rents debts.

At the meeting, Wike extended the three-month ultimatum to religious groups since they largely depend on freewill donations from members.

The Minister said: “We know the finances of religious groups, they are handicapped as they are not business people, and it is only when people come to support them.

“In such areas, we can say on religious grounds, instead of three months, we can give additional time, but it is not targeted at anybody or group. Now you have come and explained, which reasonable man would not accept it. So our people should stop saying he is targeting so group or religion or ethnic group, no, it is for the interest of all of us.

“We will extend it, so we will not restrict it to three months for you, as a religious group, because there is no money as people come to support you. And it is only when they support that you can carry out whatever you are doing.”

Wike reiterated that the incumbent administration led by President Bola Tinubu respects all faiths and would not discriminate against anyone.