No plans to demolish parts of national mosque, says FCDA

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) says there are no plans to demolish some parts of the national mosque in Abuja.

In a statement on Thursday, Richard Nduul, FCDA spokesperson, debunked reports making rounds on social media that Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has ordered a partial demolition of the national mosque.

“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.”

The FCDA spokesperson added that members of the Abuja mosque management committee led by Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, visited the FCT minister 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.”

Nduul added that the minister assured the mosque committee of the FCT administration’s support and commitment to maintaining the national mosque.