Ex-minister warns against diversion as ICICE raises N1.7bn for mosque

Shaytan is always lurking around the corner, and therefore, your prayers should always be Hahusubillahi mina shaytani rojim. That should be part of your daily prayers.

A former Minister of National Planning, Shamsuddeen Usman, has warned against diverting funds raised for the building and extension of the International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education (ICICE) mosque in Abuja.

Speaking during the fundraising at premises of the mosque popularly known as Anoor mosque located at Wuse 2 in Abuja, he said: “Everywhere you see money, Shaytan is always lurking around the corner, and therefore, your prayers should always be Hahusubillahi mina shaytani rojim. That should be part of your daily prayers.

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“I’ve situations before becoming the Minister of Finance and as deputy governor of the central bank, I was managing banks and I know what the evil that can happen with money.

“I’ve seen wives and husbands embittered over money, I’ve seen sons and fathers fighting over money, so, the answer to that, let’s pray and seek Allah’s protection from Shaytan ,but we must do more than that”.

He urged the management of the mosque to follow international standard by setting up the framework for transparency and accountability, pledging to assemble a team of international experts if the management had not done so.

Addressing reporters later, the CEO of ICICE, Dr Kabir Kabo Usman, said there was already a framework for transparency in handling any money that enters into the designated accounts for the projects.

The renowned businessman, Aliko Dangote, donated N350m; while Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, promised to donate all bags of cement to be used in constructing the mosque.

The foundation stone laying was performed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar III, who was represented.