By Newscount
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly criticized the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over its decision to spend N39 billion on refurbishing the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC). According to CUPP, this expenditure is a clear example of misplaced priorities and a quest for self-glorification by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a press statement, CUPP questioned the rationale behind spending such a huge amount on a facelift for the ICC when critical sectors like education and healthcare in the FCT are crumbling. “This staggering misallocation of resources, coupled with the brazen renaming of public institutions after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, exposes a disturbing focus on self-glorification over nation-building,” the statement read.
Built in 1991 for a modest N240 million, the ICC was a testament to prudent investment in national infrastructure. However, the current administration’s decision to rename it the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, among other public assets, reeks of personal branding and a desperate bid to rewrite history.
CUPP pointed out that the N39 billion spent on the unnecessary facelift could have funded a new state-of-the-art national monument or addressed the dire crises plaguing the FCT, such as the collapse of the education system and healthcare services. “Primary school children have been out of school for three months due to underfunding and neglect. Area Councils and Primary Healthcare Centers have been paralyzed by months-long strikes, leaving communities without essential services,” the statement highlighted.
The coalition called for an immediate investigation into the FCTA’s expenditure on the ICC renovation and a reorientation of priorities toward education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. “Nigerians deserve leadership that uplifts the nation, not monuments to personal ambition,” CUPP emphasized.
The press statement concluded by urging President Tinubu to focus on building a legacy through tangible solutions rather than plastering his name on public assets. “The time for misplaced priorities is over. Let us build a Nigeria that works for all, not a gallery of self-glorification.”
The statement was signed by Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).
