Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday, expressed disappointment over an unauthorised subletting of the N39 billion rehabilitation contract of the International Conference Centre (ICC).

During an inspection visit to the project, the minister immediately summoned top officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as well as the contractor, Julius Berger, for an investigative meeting.

Trouble began when Wike was told that the furniture for the conference hall had been sublet to another contractor by the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL).

The minister, who was visibly angry about the development, said: “The problem which we identified this afternoon has to do with the furniture that will be in the conference hall. I was surprised to hear that there is a different contractor for that, which is unacceptable to us.

“The job was given to Julius Berger entirely. I cannot have different qualities. We cannot say that the floor up is furnished by Julius Berger and down is furnished by another company. It is not acceptable to me.”

He added: “I have invited Julius Berger, I have invited the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and the MD of the Abuja Investments Company Limited to know who did that, and if anybody is found culpable, of course, I must have to apply the big stick.

“Nobody should be a sacred cow. Nobody can do something that you know is not in line with what we have agreed.”