The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly defended the decision to rename the refurbished Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling it a “well-deserved honour” for a leader who has demonstrated uncommon commitment to transforming the capital city and the nation at large.

Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of the 15-kilometre Apo-Wassa road in Abuja, Wike used the occasion to address critics who had questioned the renaming of the ICC and cast doubt on the wave of infrastructure commissioning currently taking place in the capital.

“Some people say we shouldn’t name the ICC after the President,” Wike said. “But these are the same people who sat by and did nothing when they had power. If Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport wasn’t built by Azikiwe, and Moshood Abiola Stadium wasn’t built by Abiola, then what’s wrong in naming the ICC after a President who is delivering visible results?”

Wike described the newly commissioned road as a transformative project that had long been stalled due to lack of funding. Initially awarded in 2017, the road was left in limbo until the Tinubu administration, through the FCT team, revived and completed it as part of its 17-day project commissioning marathon.

“This road was dead for years. The company had no money, no progress. But the moment we came on board in August 2023, President Tinubu said no more abandoned projects, not under my watch,” Wike said. “Now, look at what Grand Rents has done. Drive down to Wasa Junction, and see it with your own eyes.”

Addressing growing criticism in the media and political circles, the minister said many of the negative voices lacked genuine concern for national development and were simply bitter over the administration’s success.

“There are people who choose to be blind; they refuse to see progress even when it hits them in the face. If you say you won’t see, then be blind. That’s your choice,” he said bluntly.

He also dismissed concerns over spending priorities, especially regarding the renovation of the ICC, asserting that critics were conveniently ignoring context and economic realities.

“In 1991, the ICC cost ₦240 million. But do they mention the exchange rate then versus now? People sit on television talking about misplaced priorities. You who couldn’t defend your boss when you had the chance, you want to teach us governance? Please.”

On his often-controversial approach, Wike made no apologies:
“I will defend my boss. I have the capacity to do so. If you are not happy, you are free to be permanently angry. But I have no regrets.”

The minister thanked the President and the National Assembly for their unwavering support, which he credited for the pace of delivery. He pledged to continue dualisation of roads in the area and oversee the long-promised relocation of the Apo mechanic village — a promise he said would be kept and implemented under his personal supervision.

“To those traders and residents, we’re not making promises. We’re executing,” Wike said. “This is not about theories or manifestos. The New Hope agenda is real, and the people of Abuja can see it.”

In a final message to critics and residents alike, Wike stressed that the administration is focused on performance, not popularity contests.

“Mr. President is not here to please everyone, and neither am I. We are here to deliver results, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. If you’re angry, stay angry — but Abuja is moving forward.”

In a speech, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who led the official commissioning of the newly completed left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its unwavering commitment to infrastructure development, despite criticism in some quarters.

“The President told you yesterday, do not mind those who are criticizing you. Remain focused on the country to deliver,” Akpabio said. “Nobody will remember you for how you answered your critics, but for the legacies you leave behind — and we are already seeing those legacies.”

Akpabio lauded the transformation brought about by the road project, describing it as a symbol of divine intervention and good governance.

“Each time I pass that flyover from the villa to Asokoro, I feel that indeed, God is alive. This road, like many others, speaks volumes. Even the blind who walk through Wasa Road will know that Nigeria is working again,” he said.

The newly commissioned road, part of the broader OSEX initiative, is a strategic artery in Abuja’s transport network. It connects the city centre to rapidly developing districts such as Aku, Nduluguma, Ndulu, Mumba, and Wasa, relieving congestion and boosting urban mobility.

Akpabio commended Wike for his decisive leadership in accelerating infrastructure delivery across the capital. He also praised the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Ltd, for the high-quality and timely completion of the project.

“The completion of this carriageway addresses long-standing traffic challenges and reinforces our administration’s commitment to urban renewal, economic growth, and quality of life for all Nigerians,” he stated.

Akpabio also highlighted that the project is part of a wider infrastructure agenda under the Tinubu administration, which includes new superhighways, bridges, railways, airports, and more. These developments aim to lay the groundwork for a more productive and prosperous Nigeria.

In closing, the Senate President officially declared the road open to the public, thanking citizens for their patience and support during the construction phase.

“God bless you all. God bless the LCC administration. And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.