Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject the decision to rename the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) after him.
This follows the unveiling of the new name—Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre—by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Senator Sani, known for his blunt commentaries and historical perspective on national issues, argued that the ICC was constructed during the regime of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and has stood as a national monument for decades. According to him, changing its name erases a part of Nigeria’s historical legacy.
“The ICC was built by Babangida; it is a national monument that should retain its original identity. Renaming it after President Tinubu is unnecessary and insensitive to historical facts,” Sani stated.
He appealed directly to President Tinubu, urging him to show leadership by rejecting the move and allowing the structure to continue bearing its original name as a tribute to national unity rather than individual glorification.
The renaming of public infrastructure in honour of sitting presidents has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some viewing it as sycophancy while others see it as a symbol of appreciation. However, critics like Shehu Sani argue that such gestures are better left for posterity and should be based on legacy rather than political sentiment.
As at press time, the Presidency has yet to respond to Sani’s appeal.