The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has brushed aside criticisms surrounding the decision to rename the International Conference Centre after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Wike firmly rejected allegations of sycophancy, stressing that the decision was rooted in recognizing leadership, not flattery.
He said, “That place is booked till 2027. Now you are saying, why did I name it after Bola Tinubu? Who should I name it after? Who is more qualified?”
He questioned the opposition to the move, pointing out that the centre’s name was never tied to a specific individual before now.
“What is called International Conference Centre? We have IBB International Golf Club. Why didn’t we leave it as the International Golf Club?” he asked.
The Minister further argued that celebrating leaders during their lifetime is more meaningful than waiting until they pass away.
“What is sycophancy? Sycophancy that somebody showed leadership, supported me to achieve what was achieved?
“It’s only when the person dies that we want to remember them. But while alive and pouring their energy into making the country better, we ignore them. I will not do that.
“Why all this noise about renaming the ICC after Tinubu? Should we rename it after armed robbers?” he said.
