The Pindiga Emirate Council in Gombe State, northeast Nigeria, has rejected the plan by Senator Danjuma Goje to demolish and rebuild two central mosques in the area.
The council on Tuesday urged the former governor who currently represents Gombe Central senatorial district to utilize the funds on something else, like youth empowerment initiatives.
The council in a press statement signed by its Secretary, Mohammed Audi, on Tuesday, said it decided at an emergency meeting involving stakeholders that the mosques at Pindiga and Tumu were still in good shape.
The statement read, "During the meeting, it was unanimously agreed that the mosques are all in good condition and up-to-standard, and therefore should be left as they are.
“Instead, anybody who is eager to benefit the community should look for other important projects that will equally contribute to the development of our people.”
Considering youths as the backbone of any community, the council urged Goje and other donors to invest in their education, adding that “employment will ensure a better future for everyone".
The statement added, "Therefore, all the citizens of Pindiga Emirate be well informed and acquainted with the decision reached with regard to this rumor and conduct themselves in orderly manners.
“They should also avoid engaging in any action that will cause or tend to cause confusion among our people. With all due respect and honor, we are notifying all the appropriate authorities of our stand.
“Our people rejected the demand by Senator Goje to demolish the Central Mosques Pindiga and Tumu for now."