Wike Orders Closure of Popular Event Centre in Abuja, Reason Emerges

• FCT minister Nyesom Wike has taken a decisive move aimed at redesigning the International Conference Centre (ICC) and returning it to its former glory
• The former Rivers governor ordered the immediate cancellation of all events scheduled at the facility for the next eight months
• Wike, after a thorough inspection, revealed that the extent of neglect the ICC building had suffered under previous management, prompted him to take the swift action

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

FCT, Abuja - Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has suspended all activities scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC) for eight months.

Why Wike halted activities at Abuja event centre

As reported by Daily Trust, Wike who was visibly angry at the state of disrepair of the facility, gave the order on Monday, April 8, 2024, after an extensive tour of the sprawling complex.

Read also

Tragedy as Nigerian footballer slumps, dies during training, police react

Wike queried why the contract for the maintenance of such an edifice meant for international events will be handed over to an incompetent firm. He noted that the centre had been left to dilapidate.

He announced with immediate effect, the contract for the comprehensive renovation of the International Conference Center had been awarded to Julius Berger for a period of eight months, Daily Independent reported.

“We have gone round; you and I know that it is unacceptable. We cannot continue to be embarrassed in this way. We will start immediate rehabilitation of this centre, to meet up with international standards,” he said.

The minister also stated that he would not probe the previous contractor on their handling of the facility but warned that he would “wave the big stick” on the new Managing Director of the AICL if she fails to meet up henceforth.

Read also

LP vs NLC: Abure to be replaced with caretaker committee? Meeting, date fixed

Adeyanju lists 2 ministers Tinubu should sack

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu's administration, nearing its first year, faces speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle

However, the president's spokesperson dismissed these claims as premature, suggesting that any reshuffling would await the conclusion of ongoing investigations

Meanwhile, human rights activist Deji Adeyanju critiques the performance of Tinubu's ministers, particularly highlighting concerns about the alleged incompetence of some cabinet members.

Speaking to Legit.ng on the development, a human rights activist and lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, said the only minister in Tinubu's government with outstanding performance is Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who is heading the Ministry of Interior.

"If we are being honest, aside from the minister of interior, whom everyone can attest has done incredibly well, none of his (Tinubu's) ministers has impressed me thus far," Adeyanju told Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng