Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has described as unfortunate
the ‘false Information’ being circulated that the State Government
demolished a Mosque in Port Harcourt, saying that the report was planted
by mischief makers to create disaffection.
Addressing journalists at the location on Biambo Street Off, School Road
by Mami Market Junction, near Rainbow Estate on Monday., Governor Wike
said there was no Mosque on ground, hence nothing was demolished.
He said: “I received calls from several prominent Nigerians 8on 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”.
Governor Wike explained that some persons started 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 “, he said.
The Governor urged the Muslim Community in Rivers State to show him
where a Mosque was demolished in the State. He advised them not to allow
themselves to be used by politicians to peddle false stories against the
Rivers State Government..
Governor Wike said that the State Government operates within the rule of
law. He said that the State Government will not be distracted by the
illegal circulation of fake reports.
He stated that several Mosques constructed on the approval of the State
Government exist across Port Harcourt and other major towns of Rivers
State, without the State Government demolishing them.
“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 want to bring down any Mosque , when there are other Mosques
across the State? What is the Special interest on this one?