WIKE DEFENDS N39BN ICC RENOVATION, SLAMS CRITICS OF TINUBU

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By: Sefiu Ajape

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at critics of the newly inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, accusing them of lacking appreciation for quality.

President Bola Tinubu had commissioned the refurbished Conference Centre on Tuesday.

However, following the event, former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, questioned the cost of the renovation.

Obi had described the project as “a misplacement of priorities by the government to favour the rich while the poor are dying in droves”, urging the government to rather invest in education.

“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.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Left-hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway from Apo-Wasa on Friday, Wike challenged critics to visit Abuja and witness the transformation for themselves.

He noted that aside from the main structure, everything else at the International Conference Centre had been renovated, adding that cost variations also impacted the overall project expenditure.

“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 Center that was not changed, is just the block. Everything in that International Conference Center, everything was changed. If you love this country, you cannot criticize. It’s not about I wear 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, people must see what makes you to be a giant of Africa. Nobody that loves this country will criticize that International Conference Centre.

“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.

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.”