Wike mocks critics of Tinubu over N39bn ICC renovation

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has responded to critics of President Tinubu over the newly opened Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, claiming that they are unappealing.

Recall that on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu officially opened the newly rebuilt Conference Centre.

Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, condemned the amount spent on the ICC’s renovations after the opening.

Obi had urged the government to invest in education instead, calling the initiative “a misplacement of priorities by the government to favour the rich while the poor are dying in droves.”

“The N39bn used to renovate the International Conference Centre would have been better spent on addressing urgent issues affecting Nigerian schoolchildren, who are in desperate need of such investment,” he stated.

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Speaking during the inauguration of the Left-hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway in Apo-Wasa, on Friday, Wike invited detractors to visit Abuja to witness the improvements.

The block was the only item that remained unchanged in the ICC’s restoration, he continued, adding that the project’s cost had also been impacted by the alteration.

“You know, there are people naturally, they don’t have good taste. They don’t have good taste. The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed was the block. Everything in that International Conference Centre, everything was changed. If you love this country, you cannot criticise. It’s not about wearing only one shoe, telling people lies. It’s a lie. It’s not about, oh, I carry my bag. No.

“Nigeria, as a giant of Africa, must not only show that they are a giant, but people must see what makes you to be a giant of Africa. Nobody who loves this country will criticise the International Conference Centre.

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“Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikiwe. Moshood Abiola Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola. Oh, it was built with N240m. Which year? 1991. What was the exchange rate in 1991? 1991. And compare the exchange rate,” Wike said.

The minister also took a swipe at a former spokesperson for President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati.

“If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had opportunity, it’s not our fault. You were there. They were hitting your boss left, right and center. You couldn’t defend your boss. I am here. I will defend my boss. And I have the capacity to defend my boss,” he stated.

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He added, “I don’t normally watch them. I don’t like to know people’s names who don’t have anything to offer.

“If you want to die, I have a lot of land. I have land to give you where they will bury you. Africa’s population is too high. So if you want to die, you die.

“Why would you not commend somebody who has done well? You are not happy that they named ICC after Mr. President. Go and kill yourself.”