Enugu Denies Plan To Build Islamic Centre, Calls Allegation ‘Wicked’

Enugu State Government yesterday described the news making the rounds in the social media that the state government was constructing an Islamic centre as ‘unfortunate, malicious, wicked and false’.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, he described the story as a malicious rumour aimed at distracting the state government from its determination to deliver good governance to the people of the state.

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He said the state government, in keeping with its commitment to open and transparent governance, always abides by strict due processes in the approval of any government project and expenditure.

According to him, the state government does not embark on any project without following the due process, recalling that such was done recently for the construction of a modern Christian Worship Centre in the Government House, Enugu, which he described as ‘the first of its kind since the creation of the old Anambra State’.

He said: “While the state government will continue to respect the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as guaranteed by Section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, we urge all these agents of mischief and falsehood to join hands with the government in its widely acclaimed effort to improve the standard of living of the people of Enugu State and continue the massive road construction and infrastructure works.

“These include the New Secretariat Building in Nsukka, the Unity Park/Garden, the road network at the New Golf Estate Annex, and the unique efforts to provide security and protect lives and property in line with the oath of office which obviously has resulted in the provision of vehicles, motorcycles, modern fire fighting vehicles and equipment, and the procurement of rapid response vehicles in the state.”

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He advised the public to disregard the news, stating that ‘the state government will continue to do all within its powers to ensure positive development in the state and encourage harmonious co-existence of all residents’.

In a similar vein, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State chapter, recently debunked reports which alleged that the state government was building an Islamic centre at Uwani, Enugu, saying no such project was going on.

 In a statement by the state’s secretary of CAN, Apostle Dr. Joseph Ajujungwa, the body acknowledged a recent approval ‘to build a Chapel of Worship at the Government House, Enugu, not an Islamic Centre, as being mischievously peddled on social media’.

According to Apostle Ajujungwa, “CAN is happy with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for being the first governor of the state to construct a centre of Christian worship inside the Government House, Enugu. The feat is a proof that he is a true and committed Christian who serves God faithfully.”

 He further warned those behind the news to desist from such act.

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