“Don’t Pay Attention to Busybody and Bystanders” – Tinubu Tells Wike at ICC Reopening

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to ignore distractions from critics and focus on his responsibilities in the capital. Tinubu made the statement on Tuesday during the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, which was revamped under Wike’s directive.

The president praised the transformation of the facility, describing it as part of his administration’s efforts to redefine public infrastructure and governance. “This is part of our effort to change the way we do things and reflect us as people of quality, people of character,” Tinubu said.

In his speech, Wike expressed gratitude to the president for the leadership shown in backing the ICC project and revealed that he had come under pressure from unnamed individuals during its execution. In response, Tinubu urged him to stay the course. “Don’t pay attention to the busybody and the bystanders. Whatever they say, continue with your good work. You’re a transformational leader; you have the foresight and determination to succeed,” he said.

Wike also spoke about the poor state of the centre prior to its rehabilitation, noting that it had remained untouched since it was built in 1991 by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. He announced that all ministries and agencies planning to use the ICC halls must pay for the service, to ensure the centre’s maintenance.

“Whether you’re a ministry or an agency and you want to use this, you have to pay something. That’s the only way it can be sustained. Nothing like ‘my brother, my sister is going to have wedding.’ If you want to use a place like this, then you must drop something,” Wike said.

President Tinubu backed the policy, stressing that sustainable infrastructure management requires financial responsibility. The ICC, now renamed in honour of the president, was reconstructed by Julius Berger Engineering Company.