By David Olalekan.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, has denied allegations that he ordered the demolition of the Trans-Amadi central mosque in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Recall that the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had tongue-lashed Governor Wike for allegedly demolishing the mosque which plays host to over 10,000 worshippers in the state.
In his response, the governor revealed there was no mosque on ground, so nothing could have been demolished.
Wike, who spoke to reporters in Port Harcourt today, said: “I received calls from several prominent Nigerians on the fake news being circulated online. I have come here with reporters and you can see there was no Mosque here.
“It is most unfortunate that fickle-minded persons will claim that a Mosque was demolished at this place, when no Mosque existed here. The story was concocted by mischief makers to score cheap points.”
He also disclosed that some individuals had attempted erecting illegal foundation at the disputed land, even though they had no approval to embark on any construction work.
“They came here to erect illegal structure. There was no approval from the State Government for any structure to be erected here.
“The persons who started the foundation had already dragged the State Government to court on the disputed land. The Rivers State Government won the case. What they attempted to do was to start the illegal construction to tie the hands of the State Government.
“The government gave them notice not to do anything on the land. But they went ahead with the illegal foundation and the relevant agency stopped them.
“Why would we want to bring down any Mosque, when there are other Mosques across the State? What is the Special interest on this one?” Governor Wike queried.