Yan Nigeria
Labour Party chieftain and Nollywood veteran, Kenneth Okonkwo, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening inflation and what he called a pattern of mismanaging national resources, particularly with the recent renovation and renaming of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.
Speaking in a recent interview, Okonkwo condemned the federal government’s handling of contracts and criticised the high cost of projects awarded without open competition. He accused the administration of prioritising legacy-building over the welfare of suffering Nigerians…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>
He said:
“You are given a project of 15 trillion naira for your family business without competitive bidding. Then you go ahead to renovate, because what Tinubu is doing now is refurbish and rename. They will refurbish existing structures and rename them after Tinubu.”
Okonkwo particularly faulted the decision to spend N39 billion on renovating the ICC, a structure originally built by former military president Ibrahim Babangida for just N240 million. The ICC, after renovation, was renamed in honour of President Tinubu by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Expressing disappointment, Okonkwo added:
“A structure built by IBB, the International Conference Center, was constructed with 240 million naira. You refurbished it with 39 billion naira and then named it after yourself. So also with other infrastructure. That’s not wisdom, that’s wickedness.”
The outspoken actor turned politician argued that such actions are tone-deaf and insensitive, especially at a time when most Nigerians are struggling to survive amid rising food prices and economic hardship.
His comments echo growing criticism of what many see as misplaced government priorities. Rather than focus on meaningful development and economic relief for the people, critics say the administration is more concerned with renaming projects and boosting political image.
As hardship deepens, citizens and opposition voices continue to demand accountability and people-first governance from those in power.…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>
