Richmond C. Amadi is an independent journalist, Book Publisher, member of RSU Alumni, Researcher (currently researching with Researchgate.net), Writer, Motivational Speaker. He is a BSc Holder in Office and Information Management, and Diploma holder in Management all from Rivers State University. Currently doing his MSc with RSU. Contact him on Richmond.amadi@ust.edu.ng or Amadirichmondc@gmail.com All Social Platforms: @amadirichmondc
We bought the land about four plots from one Chief Amadi in 2008 and approval was given for the building in 2009. In 2010, we started putting up pillars and fencing of the land; while the foundation of the mosque was laid in 2010. The first demolition was carried out by (former Governor) Amaechi on the 5th of February, 2010 and this resulted in litigation between Chief Amadi and Rivers State Government”
Following the demolition of the Rainbow Town Central Mosque located at the Trans-Amadi area of the state capital, leaders of the Muslim community in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, reacts.
The chairman of the mosque, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa Tabaco, disclosed this to Daily Trust yesterday that the mosque was demolished by officials, who came with armed policemen on August 20 by government officials.
While condemning the demolition, Tobaco said the officials, pulled down the fence and the foundation of the mosque which had gone up to DPC level, citing non-compliance with the state urban development laws.
He said: “We bought the land about four plots from one Chief Amadi in 2008 and approval was given for the building in 2009. In 2010, we started putting up pillars and fencing of the land; while the foundation of the mosque was laid in 2010. The first demolition was carried out by (former Governor) Amaechi on the 5th of February, 2010 and this resulted in litigation between Chief Amadi and Rivers State Government”
“On November 2, 2017, a judgement was delivered in favour of Chief Amadi. Rivers State did not appeal the judgement and we started another round of construction of the building in 2018.”
According to reports, the leaders appealed to the state government to allow them to use the property for worship, noting that “the mosque is the only worship centre in the whole of Trans Amadi area where more than 4,000 worshippers worship every Friday.”
Alhaji Musa Saidu, Also condemned the action by the officials.
Alhaji Haroon Muhammed, the imam of the mosque, said: “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,”
When contacted, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Information, Polinious Nsirim, said “I am not aware of the demolition of the Mosque. I have no information on this.”
