Commentator on Public Affairs, Mahdi Shehu, has accused the Federal Government of bias, after the flag-off of a N25 billion ecumenical chapel project at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Shehu made his position known on Wednesday night in a post on X, reacting to reports that the Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria have begun the construction of the facility.
The project, valued at N25 Billion was flagged-off on April 26, 2026 by the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and other senior officials of the Federal Government and CAN.
SGF George Akume said the project is a “confluence of faith and progress” that shall meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of passengers.
Mahdi quoted Archbishop Okoh as saying: “Travelers need a place where they can regain their calm before they enter the aeroplane.
“The participation of senior government officials indicates the project has the full backing of the highest level,” he said.
“The flag-off of this project by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Aviation Minister shows that the President is fully aware and has given his consent,” he said.
Shehu also pointed to the allocation of land for the project, saying it must have been senior government figures behind the approval of the space.
He also asked when Muslims would be given similar prime and visible land space at the airport for building a mosque.
“When will the Muslim faithful get equal financial contribution like CAN?” he asked.
He also asked if government officials would support a mosque project the same way, like by showing up for 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 it should be treated equally or it would give an impression of favoritism.
“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.
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