The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the decision to rename the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja after President Bola Tinubu, dismissing claims that the move was an act of sycophancy.
Speaking at his monthly media parley on Thursday, Wike questioned the criticism surrounding the renaming and argued that national figures should be honored while they are still alive and contributing to national development.
“That place is booked until 2027. Now you are saying, why did I name it after Bola Tinubu? Who should I name it after? Who is more qualified?” Wike asked.
He dismissed the argument that the ICC should retain a neutral title, noting that other public facilities, such as the IBB International Golf Club, are named after prominent Nigerians.
Responding to accusations of political flattery, Wike said: “What is sycophancy? Sycophancy because someone showed leadership and supported me to achieve results? It’s only when people die that we want to celebrate them. I will not do that.”
The minister further criticized the notion that honoring current leaders is inappropriate, adding, “Why all this noise about renaming the ICC after Tinubu? Should we rename it after armed robbers?”
Wike insisted that the decision was based on merit and Tinubu’s contributions to governance, not political favoritism.
The ICC, a major venue for international and national events in Abuja, was recently renamed to honor President Tinubu’s leadership.
As the move continues to generate public debate, Wike has remained firm in defending what he describes as a deserved recognition.