Addu Mayor Ali Nizar rebuts Minister Ihusan’s claims over council cooperation

Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar has launched a scathing verbal counterattack against Home Minister Ali Ihusan, following the Minister's remarks last night that the Addu City Council has been "obstructing" the government for the past two years. 

Speaking at a ceremony to open the PNC campaign office for the Feydhoo constituency, ahead of the Local Council Elections scheduled for April 3, 2026, Minister Ihusan, a native of Feydhoo, claimed that Addu’s development only thrived when the council and government worked in harmony. 

He alleged that during the previous PPM administration, many projects were stalled by the council's interference and that the current MDP-led council continues to hinder progress "as much as they can."

In response to these allegations, Mayor Nizar, who is seeking a second term, questioned the government’s narrative by referencing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Addu last November. During that visit, the President laid foundation stones at 14 different locations for various projects. 

"Did President Muizzu come to Addu last November and play a drama by laying foundation stones at 14 locations in the presence of your government’s senior officials and myself because the council refused to provide land?" Nizar asked. 

He further accused Ihusan of attempting to "deceive the public" just as they did during the presidential election campaign by showing "Indian soldiers and guns on home screens" from within the Police Academy.

Minister Ihusan specifically cited the Maradhoo Police Station as an example of the council’s lack of cooperation, stating that while the government has been trying to initiate the project for two months, the council has failed to finalize the land allocation. 

He warned that electing a council that opposes the government would only lead to further stagnation. President Muizzu echoed similar sentiments at a PNC event last Thursday, stating that projects such as mosques, health centers, and school expansions are being delayed because certain councils refuse to provide the necessary land.

"Who is suffering? The residents of those islands. We do not want this to be repeated," the President noted, urging voters to exercise their power in the upcoming elections.