Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has urged the Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof Ishaq Akintola, to limit himself to issues of the propagation of Islam, and desist from promoting religious discord among Nigerians.

Olayinka, who was reacting to a statement by Prof Akintola, on the suspension of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi, said the Minister was not running FCTA based on religion.

He said “the suspended FCTA Executive Secretary was not appointed as a Muslim and anyone trying to cover his suspension with the garment of religion will be doing a disservice to religious harmony in the country.”

The FCT Minister’s spokesperson pointed out that “just as it is not obligatory for he who appoints to give reasons for appointing, it will also not be obligatory for he who suspends to tell the public reasons for suspending as long as the person suspended knows why he was suspended.

“Most importantly, the position of the FCDA Executive Secretary is not a family chieftaincy title and the business of the office once occupied by Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi, is running perfectly.”

While calling the attention of Prof Akintola to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) position on obedience to authorities, Olayinka said; “I doubt if Prof Akintola is aware that on the authority of Abu Huraira, it was narrated that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said; ‘It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler and obey him in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure, and even when another person is given (rather undue) preference over you.’

“If Prof Akintola is aware of this and has imbibed it, he will simply counsel the suspended FCTA Executive Secretary to accept his fate as a Muslim, rather than this seeming sponsorship of media attacks against the Minister and fanning the embers of religious discord.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said the display of a banner with the inscription ‘Jesus Christ is not God’ by the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos is frivolous.

The banner went viral over the past few days after a photo of it was shared on social media by citizens who felt it was deliberately done to agitate Christians.

After an outcry on social media, the banner was removed and replaced with another one which said ‘Allah is the lord of Jesus.’

When our correspondent contacted the CAN Director on National Issues and Social Welfare, Apostle Commodore Abiola Ayuba, he said the association will not join issues with those behind the banners, describing them as faceless.

“CAN does not involve in frivolous and annoying things. Whichever mosque it is in Lekki, whoever are the people that own it, they have their names and are also liable under the law. Where the rights of one person end is where another person’s own starts. I do not think CAN would be interested in that kind of controversy. If you put something up that will breach public peace, it is the duty of the police to make sure that it is taken off,” he said.

Ayuba further stated that those behind the banner could be sponsored, adding that “nobody knows who is sponsoring them and for what intent and purpose.”

He said when it is obvious that a body, agency or group is behind an action targeted at annoying Christians or getting them upset to the extent that they will cause trouble, “we have links to responsible government agencies and we’ll file our protest accordingly. Sometimes we just keep silent over some things, especially when they appear very foolish.”

Ayuba cited an instance in April during Easter when the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) posted on their X handle that ‘Jesus has paid your debt but not your tax.’

He said CAN responded directly because it was coming from a government agency “and we felt it was done in bad fate and that they won’t dare say that concerning the other faith. Mere mention of the name Muhammad, they will just slaughter you.”

He lamented that a lot of foreign actors are determined to disrupt Nigeria, adding that they are being paid to cause trouble and destabilise the country and also distract the government from governance.

“Most of them are being sponsored by organisations that are linked to terror groups. Journalists should find out more about the people behind all of these because the religious organisations are very clear about relationships with others,” he said.

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday signed the N684 billion 2025 Appropriation Act, tagged the “Budget of Economic Stabilisation.” Speaking at the signing ceremony held in the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde attributed the improved budget performance in the state—from 30–35% under previous administrations to over 70%—to an inclusive budgeting process that involves stakeholders and prioritizes the state’s development.

The governor announced that the 2025 budget aims for an 80% implementation rate, emphasizing reforms, people-centered policies, and economic stability. He highlighted that the budget includes provisions for the new minimum wage, which will take effect from January 1, 2025, and reassured workers that the government would pay the 13th-month salary on December 31, 2024.

“This budget is more than a financial document; it’s an operational manual guiding our administration,” Makinde said. “We prepared this budget after extensive consultations with stakeholders across all zones, ensuring that it reflects the aspirations of our people.”

Makinde praised the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms, which enabled the budget’s passage within three months. He noted that the Assembly spent six weeks scrutinizing the document, reflecting a shared commitment to Oyo State’s growth.

The governor also addressed the challenges of 2024, encouraging residents to remain hopeful. “Despite the tough year, we are pushing forward with reforms and policies to stabilize our economy. This budget is key to achieving our goals, and I urge everyone to support this administration,” he said.

Makinde called for continued transparency and engagement with citizens, assuring residents that grievances would be addressed without bias. “Our administration has been open and fair, reinstating workers unfairly dismissed and emphasizing dialogue with all aggrieved parties.”

Legislative Support and Budget Priorities

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, lauded the upward review of the budget from N678 billion to N684 billion, describing it as a strategic move to address emerging priorities. He commended Governor Makinde’s achievements, including workforce expansion and investments in infrastructure, education, and workers’ welfare.

Ogundoyin stated, “This budget lays a solid foundation for unprecedented growth and development in Oyo State, ensuring that critical projects and the new minimum wage implementation are prioritized.”

Dignitaries in Attendance

The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former Oyo State governor. Other dignitaries included members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, religious and traditional leaders, labor union representatives, and top government officials.

With the 2025 budget in place, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for Oyo State residents.