Through this removal, the mosque’s administration has seemingly acquiesced to the widespread criticism and pressure from the public to remove the banner widely perceived as inflammatory and divisive.

The Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos State has removed a contentious banner that bore the inscription, “Jesus Christ is Not God”.

This action was substantiated by a widely circulating video on social media platform X, in which a member of the community, identified as Tunde Alabi, asserted that he had personally visited the mosque on Wednesday evening to verify the removal.

The initial placement of the banner in front of the mosque had previously sparked a firestorm of controversy, eliciting a multitude of comments from Nigerian netizens.

These online commentators had unequivocally condemned the management of the mosque, strenuously urging the pertinent authorities and stakeholders to intervene and address the situation.

Through this removal, the mosque’s administration has seemingly acquiesced to the widespread criticism and pressure from the public to remove the banner widely perceived as inflammatory and divisive.

In a video shared by an X user, Adeleke Opeyemi, the community source, Tunde Alabi, said the backlash pushed him to ask for the removal of the banner.

The video narrator said: “My name is Tunde Alabi. I am a member of the Lekki Muslim Community. I noticed a banner pasted in front of our mosque, causing some controversies. I sent a message to the mosque community and was told that it had been removed, so I came to confirm myself. As you can see, the one that was removed is supposed to be behind me.”

Alabi also apologised for the issues that the banner might have caused.

“I am not speaking on behalf of the mosque. I am speaking for myself. I am sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused. Today is the 18th of December,” he added.

The contentious banner garnered widespread public attention following a social media post by renowned Nigerian actress, Wumi Tuase.

She took to platform X to express her profound dismay and disappointment upon discovering the banner, emblazoned with the inscription “Jesus Christ is Not God”, prominently displayed in front of the Lekki Central Mosque.

She said, “I don’t like to get into religious conversations, but I found it very weird that Lekki Central Mosque has this in front of their gate.”

Tuase’s public expression of discontent resonated with many, prompting a national conversation about religious tolerance, respect and the role of places of worship in promoting unity and understanding.

A Honourable member, representing Katagum Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Rep Auwalu Abdu Gwalabe has bemeaoned about Nigeria running four budgets concurrently in one year, including the 2023 and 2024 budgets and their supplementary budgets.

He described this situation as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.

Gwalabe questioned the practicality of presenting the 2025 budget while previous budgets remain unresolved and highlighted the potential consequences of concurrent budget implementation, including, Delayed Project Implementation: The 2023 budget may extend into June 2025 or face further extensions, Inefficient Resource Allocation:, The overlap of budgets may lead to confusion and inefficiencies, Unclear Benefits: Nigerians may not feel the impacts of previous budgets.

The Lawmaker under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated this Journalists in an interview shortly after the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

As a member of the opposition party, Gwalabe emphasized his commitment to supporting policies benefiting the poor and grassroots populations and urged the government to fund the 2025 budget effectively to achieve its promised “Restoration” goals.

He therefore prayed that the government would be able to fund the 2025 budget or else the Restoration that they are talking about will not be possible.

“Because you can’t be running the budgets concurrently. My main concern about this budget is that it says it’s a budget of restoration, that’s okay; but the 2023 budget is still running.

“We are running four budgets in one year – 2023 budget and its supplementary and 2024 budget and its supplementary. The 2023 budget will probably enlaps in June 2025 or they may extend it.

“Now, the budget of 2025 will enlaps when? That’s my major concern. When will the common man feel the impacts of the 2023 and 2024 budgets?

“If you look at last year’s budget, the capital expenditure was higher, which has never been in the history of Nigeria. The recurrent expenditure was low, less than 40%, but this budget of 2025 is saying 50% is going for the capital expenditure while 48% goes for the recurrent expenditure.

“So, there’s an increase in the recurrent expenditure, that’s where I have a very good question. I come from the opposition party”, he stressed.

“I pray that the government will be able to fund the 2025 budget or else that restoration that they are talking about will not be possible because you can’t be running the budgets concurrently.

On the impact of the 2023 budget, the lawmaker said, “Ask yourself if there is any relief? Check the 2024 budget, is there any form of respite for the people, let alone the one that was brought today.

“Now the question is not for me alone, it’s for all Nigerians. They will have to decide if they have enjoyed the 2023 and 2024 budget” he noted.

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.