The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at critics of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, saying those who are unhappy with the project or its naming should “go and die” if they wish, adding that Nigeria’s population is already too high.
Wike made the statement during the commissioning of newly completed roads in the Apo area of Abuja, where he defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to renovate and rename the International Conference Centre.
He dismissed complaints that the centre, originally built in 1991, should not have been named after Tinubu, arguing that many Nigerian landmarks were not named after their original builders.
“Someone said it wasn’t built by Tinubu. Was the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport built by Azikiwe? Was the MKO Abiola Stadium built by Abiola? People just like to talk,” Wike said.
Responding to critics who questioned the cost of the renovation, Wike said: “They said it cost ₦39 billion. And so what? In 1991 it was ₦240 million, but what was the exchange rate then and what is it now?”
He also attacked a journalist he watched on TV, saying, “I don’t even know his name. I don’t like knowing names of people who don’t have anything to offer.”
Wike, a former Rivers State governor and key ally of President Tinubu, strongly defended the administration’s projects and lashed out at those unhappy with the renaming of the centre.
“If you want to die because they named it after Mr. President, go and kill yourself. I have land to bury you. Our population is too high anyway,” he said.
He added that he had no regrets for supporting Tinubu and praised the President for delivering quality infrastructure in the FCT.
The minister’s comments have sparked reactions online, as his blunt language continues to draw attention during public events.
