Anger, Controversy, As Over 10,000 Muslims Allegedly Lose Central Worship Place In Rivers
There is a raging anger and controversy in Rivers State after the governor, Nyesom Wike’s administration demolished a Mosque said to be a place of Worship for over 10,000 Muslims.
The Mosque located in Trans-Amadi was demolished after officials of the state accused the Mosque administration of failing fo follow a laid down state plan, an allegation that has been described as false.
Calling on President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Nyesom Wike and members of the National Assembly to intercede on behalf of the over 10,000 worshippers.
Haroon Muhammed, an imam, said the mosque was demolished by government officials who came with mobile policemen on August 20, citing non-compliance despite the existence of Rivers State approved building plan.
Muhammad noted that the harassment has continued despite the fact that the Mosque got approval
“This is the most populated mosque. Muslims all over the world can see what has happened to a mosque that is duly approved by the state government. We have been harassed three times now – once on the 29th of last month, then on August 16 and 20 without any formal notice.
“Today, we are denied a place of worship. We don’t want to foment any trouble with government officials. We want the world to help us beg the governor for us to have a place of worship, because this central mosque is the only one serving the whole of Trans-Amadi. Members of the armed forces, the agencies, the police, army, oil company workers, and government workers, who are Muslims, worship im this place.”.
Meanwhile Nigerians have reacted to the demolision
“Gov Wike of Rivers state demolished multimillion naira mosque at trans madi in port Harcourt. If any Muslim gov in the north demolished church as legal or illegal structure C.A.N will attack that gov head-on, and it will be a major nationwide topic on AIT&CHANNELSTV for a week” @AbubakarAliyu tweeted
Another twist was added when @Gimbakakanda reported that while he got a report that the Mosque was yet to be erected
“UPDATE: I have been informed that the structure of the mosque had not been erected as reported, and that there was no incident of demolition at all. Unless anyone has a counter to this, I think we should all let it slide.”he tweeted.
As the anger continues, the state government is yet to officially react to this development.
Olanrewaju Oyedeji, News Digest
