Arewa New Agenda urge Wike to reconsider his decision to close down ICC

The Arewa New Agenda (ANA) has urged Nyesome Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to rethink his decision to close the international conference centre.

The ANA claims that this action will hinder international trade, deter foreign investment, and destroy economic opportunities just when the nation most needs them.

Recall that the FCT minister recently threatened to close the ICC and withdrew its management contract in public statements.

The Deputy Chairman of Arewa New Agenda, Prof. Adamu Usman, briefed journalists in Abuja. He stated that after FMSL remodelled the ICC, the Centre is now a versatile space that can be tailored to

Usman claims that the minister’s actions are erratic, lacking of due process, and disrespectful of a fair trial.

He said ” as it stands today, the ICC is in its best form delivering first class and five-star services to its clients. To embark on a so-called renovation at this time is to engage in a wasteful exercise.

” If it is not broken, why mend it? We hasten to state that the ICC is managed by Integrated facility managers under a subsisting management contract with Abuja Investment Company ltd, that has provisions on how the contract could be terminated. Without recourse to the management contract provisions on termination.

“These bookings of the ICC- are for the whole year ending December 2024. The threat of the Minister to close down the ICC has impacted negatively on these bookings which are third-party contracts with clients locally and internationally.

“The action of Minister Wike amounts to economic sabotage and should be so seen by his employer. It is worth noting that the facility managers of the ICC – Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd, has remolded the ICC to meet global standards.

“ANA has been engaged in the support and promotion of good policies and actions of the Tinubu Administration under the leadership of our convener, Sen. Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi who incidentally is the MD of Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd (IFMSL) – the contracting firm managing the International Conference Center in Abuja (The ICC).

“The FCT Minister cannot do what he is threatening to do because it is against the law, fair dealings and has no place in governance and service delivery.

“The FCT Minister’s despotic and nepotic profiling of the north, going after the businesses and social interest of individuals and groups that are Bonafede APC members is unhelpful to the Tinubu administration and paints the picture of one undermining his master in a veiled effort to feather his political nest against 2027.