The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised opponents of the recently inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, accusing them of lacking good taste and failing to appreciate quality development.
President Bola Tinubu commissioned the newly renovated centre on Tuesday, but the project has drawn criticism, notably from Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Obi described the N39 billion renovation as a misplacement of priorities and called for increased investment in education, stating that the funds would have been better spent addressing the needs of Nigerian schoolchildren.
Reacting on Friday during the inauguration of the Left-hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway from Apo-Wasa in Abuja, Wike defended the project and dismissed the criticisms.
“You know, there are people naturally, they don’t have good taste. The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed is just the block. Everything else was changed,” he said.
Wike added that the cost of the renovation was influenced by price variations and inflation.
“If you love this country, you cannot criticise. It’s not about wearing one shoe and carrying a bag. It’s not about pretending to be humble while telling people lies. That’s not love for Nigeria,” he said.
He also argued that Nigeria must reflect its status as the “giant of Africa” with visible infrastructure to match.
“Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikiwe. Moshood Abiola Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola. People complain that the ICC was built with N240 million in 1991. What was the exchange rate in 1991 compared to now?” he asked.
Wike also took aim at Reuben Abati, a former spokesperson for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, accusing him of failing to defend his former principal.
“If you did not defend your boss when you had the opportunity, that’s your fault. I am here, and I will defend my boss. I have the capacity,” Wike said.
The minister further criticised those unhappy with the decision to name the ICC after President Tinubu.
“Why would you not commend somebody who has done well? You’re not happy that they named ICC after Mr. President? Go and kill yourself. I have land where you can be buried. Africa’s population is too high,” he said.
Wike insisted that critics should visit Abuja to see the transformation for themselves and stop spreading misinformation about the project.
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