“Misplaced Priority” Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Govt Over N39bn ICC Renovation As he donates computers to Chibok

Abuja, Nigeria – Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to spend N39 billion on renovating the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, describing it as a misplaced priority.

Speaking via his verifired X handle on Wednesday, Obi expressed shock that such a huge amount could be spent on a non-essential project while critical sectors like education suffer.

“Spending N39 billion to renovate a conference centre at a time like this is a clear misplacement of priorities,” he stated.

According to Obi, the funds could have been channeled into more pressing areas such as providing basic infrastructure for schoolchildren, addressing unpaid teacher salaries, and alleviating poverty. He emphasized that investing in education is crucial for the country’s future.

The criticism comes on the heels of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, revealing that the ICC renovation cost N35 billion, with additional spending pushing the figure to N39 billion. The facility was recently renamed after President Bola Tinubu.

In contrast, Obi highlighted his own donation of over N6 million and computer equipment to Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, aimed at promoting computer literacy and creating a conducive learning environment.

“Until we start investing in our children and their future, this country will continue to struggle,” he said.
Obi’s comments have reignited debates on government priorities and the need for people-centered development.

READ FULL STATEMENT

“Earlier this month, my dear sister @AishaYesufu called to give me the disturbing information that there were no computers, functional laboratories, or electricity in the Secondary School in Chibok, the same school where over 200 girls were sadly kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014, with 70 still unaccounted for.”

“With a population of over 2,500, the school had only one desktop computer. Aisha Yesufu respectfully requested that I buy an additional two and help install solar lighting, even if it was only for the computer classroom.”

“While I was trying to contact His Excellency, my brother Governor Zulum, to enable me to visit the school, I was advised against doing so due to security concerns.”

“Aisha Yesufu accordingly arranged a meeting between me and the Chibok community leaders in Abuja, where I presented them with 10 laptops and 3 printers as a start. I also donated the sum of ₦2 million each towards providing some items for the lab, the computer classroom, and a handheld motorised borehole, totalling ₦6 million.”

“I promised to do more and made it clear to them that what I was doing was not a donation, but a sincere commitment and a promise to the future of our community.”

“However, occasions like this are deeply disturbing and cause me to reflect and personally question our priorities and the rising costs of misgovernance.”

“One wonders why we live in a nation where our students don’t have labs, books, or even pencils, while our leaders live in opulence, spending billions to renovate conference centres, build car parks, and furnish new lodges of international standards.”

“I continue to plead on behalf of all of us that the time has come for self-examination. We must prioritise critical areas of development, education, healthcare, and pulling our people out of poverty.” -PO