Ignore busybodies, bystanders – Tinubu tells Wike

President Bola Tinubu has advised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to ignore detractors and stay focused on his task of transforming the nation’s capital.

The president gave the charge on Tuesday while inaugurating the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre in Abuja, which has now been renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu praised Wike for his dedication and described him as a transformational leader with vision and foresight. He said, “Don’t pay attention to busybodies and the bystanders, and whatever they say. Continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader. You have the vision, foresight, and determination to succeed.”

The president noted that the renovated conference centre is part of his government’s efforts to change how things are done in the country, projecting Nigeria as a nation of quality, character, and determination. He stressed that modern infrastructure is essential for economic growth and that his administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to revamping critical sectors like transport, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development.

Addressing dignitaries at the event, Tinubu also made it clear that the new conference centre would not be available for free use. “You want to use this place, you gonna pay for it,” he said, endorsing an earlier statement by Wike that the halls would now attract service fees.

The event was graced by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi.

Wike, a PDP stalwart and former two-term governor of Rivers State, has been part of President Tinubu’s cabinet since August 2023. He was later joined in October 2024 by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.