The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has downplayed claims of being against the practice of Islam in Nigeria.
Wike said his administration is not making “laws that are against Islamic alignment.”He spoke while receiving members of the Abuja National Mosque Management Committee led by their Chairman, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu of Nupe.
The minister said individuals trying to incite religious feelings were doing so maliciously in order to score cheap political points.
According to Wike, “In Nigeria, I have no reason to incite hatred towards any one religious group and instead should support anyone who is fighting for a noble cause.”
He, however, assured that FCT will not hastitate to support the maintenance of the National Mosque, or the National Ecumenical Centre, having been declared as a national monument, he also called on religious leaders to preach National unity and peaceful coexistence.
”No government will hesitate to support the maintenance of a National Monument, be it for Christians or Muslims.”
Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe urged the Minister to support the maintenance project of the National Mosque, which he disclosed had been stalled for some time now.