Wike Slams Tinubu’s Critics, Defends Expenditure On ICC

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a blistering attack on critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, telling them to ‘be blind’ if they refused to acknowledge developmental projects and vowing to continue to give them high blood pressure.

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed Apo-Wasa road in Abuja yesterday, Wike vehemently defended the government’s infrastructure record, particularly highlighting the recent renovation of the International Conference Center (ICC) and the ongoing commissioning spree of projects.

“Except you have chosen not to see, if God gave you eyes to see, you say, ‘I will not see’. Then be blind. Then be blind. God gave you eyes. You say, God, I will not see. Then be blind. It is nobody’s fault,” he said.

He specifically targeted critics of the ICC renovation, which was recently named after President Tinubu.

“You know, there are people naturally, they don’t have good taste. They don’t have good taste. Everything in that International Conference Center, everything was changed. If you love this country, you cannot criticize,” he said.

Wike dismissed concerns about the cost or naming of the ICC, referencing the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. “Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikiwe. Compare the exchange rate, 1991 and 2025. People will just sit down for the sake of criticising,”

He singled out unnamed media figures, stating, “I don’t normally watch them. I don’t like to know people’s names who don’t have anything to offer.

“If you want to die, I have a lot of land. I have land to give you where they will bury you. Africa’s population is too high.

So if you want to die, you die.  Why would you not commend somebody who has done well? You are not happy that they named ICC after Mr. President. Go and kill yourself,” he said.

Wike positioned himself as the ultimate defender of President Tinubu, contrasting himself with past officials.

“If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had opportunity, it’s not our fault. I am here. I will defend my boss. And I have the capacity to defend my boss.

“I am not here to please unnecessarily critical, people. I am here to please the residents of Abuja. In fact, I will continue to give you high blood pressure,” he said.

The minister also took a swipe at opposition figures and coalitions, calling them ineffective.

“People have made promises to you. Nobody has fulfilled the promise. You are giving attention to those who you don’t know whether their name will be on the ballot or not. Coalition that was born and died the same day,” he said.

Wike also highlighted the unprecedented pace of project commissioning under Tinubu.

“17 days, it has never happened in the history of this country, where a president will commission projects from day one to day 17. I am talking about commissioning, not flag-off,” he said.

Wike announced plans to dualise the road near the Apo Mechanic Village and finally relocate the mechanics, a long-standing promise since 2011.

“Ours will not be promised. Ours is that we are going to do it. I will supervise it. I will chair the relocation. You do for me, I do for you. If you vote for me, I vote for you,” he said.