Commentator on Public Affairs, Mahdi Shehu has accused the Federal Government of bias following the flag-off of a N25 billion ecumenical chapel project at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Shehu made his stance known in a post shared on X on Wednesday night, in response to reports that the Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria have begun the construction of the facility.
The Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, other Senior Federal Government and CAN officials flagged-off the N25 Billion project on April 26, 2026.
SGF George Akume said the project is a “confluence of faith and progress” that will address passengers’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
“Travelers need a place where they can regain their calm before they enter the aeroplane,” Mahdi quoted Archbishop Okoh as saying.
He said the participation of top government officials in the project indicates that it has full backing at the highest level.
“This project being flagged off by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Aviation Minister means the President is fully aware and has given his consent,” he said.
Shehu also noted the allocation of land for the project, suggesting that senior government figures must have been involved in approving the space.
He also asked when Muslim travelers would be provided with similar prime and visible land space at the airport to construct a mosque.
“When will the Muslim faithful get equal financial contribution like CAN?” he asked.
He also asked if government officials would offer similar support for a mosque project, such as attending a groundbreaking ceremony.
“When are you sending some Muslim ministers to do the same thing?” he added.
“When will P-ABT put a disclaimer that he is not aware of the N25billion Federal government/CAN Project so that Muslim faithfuls will believe him as neutral.
He said that the project ought to be treated equally or else it would give an impression of partiality.
“This N25 Billion project is a two-variable equation, one known and unknown. So, the equation has to balance for the picture to get clear. Otherwise it is a case of: “A mother in charge of the kitchen will feed her children first and out of hate will deliberately starve the others to death,” he said.
