“They Turned The Crisis Into An Oil Well” — Wike Alleges Some Profited From Rivers Political Feud
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday addressed two major controversies surrounding his administration: his political reconciliation with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the N39 billion renovation of the newly named Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja, Wike declared that “enemies of progress” are not pleased with the peace deal he struck with Fubara, his estranged political godson and successor as governor of Rivers State. According to him, peace has returned to the oil-rich state despite the attempts of some individuals to exploit the crisis for personal gain.
“Some people turned the crisis into an oil well, drawing money and hoping the situation would continue. Now that we’ve resolved it, they’re angry,” Wike stated, adding that he owes no one an explanation about the details of the truce.
Shifting focus to his stewardship in Abuja, Wike revealed that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, formerly the International Conference Centre, generated N650 million in just three weeks after its inauguration on June 10, 2025.
“The previous concessionaire was remitting only N50 million annually to the FCT. We renovated the centre completely, except for demolishing it, and within three weeks of reopening, it made N650 million,” he said.
The minister noted that the centre has become a prime venue for high-level events, including hosting ECOWAS heads of state, and has been fully booked through to 2027.
Addressing criticism over naming the facility after President Tinubu, Wike retorted, “Why are people complaining? Who is more qualified to have such a centre named after him?”
He also dismissed the backlash over the N39 billion spent on the renovation, saying detractors are focusing on trivialities and failing to see the value being delivered.
“This country will not move forward if we pay attention to frivolities,” he warned, reiterating his commitment to infrastructural development and revenue generation for the FCT.
