SHEHU SANI REJECTS RENAMING OF ICC AFTER TINUBU

Former Senator Shehu Sani has come out strongly against the renaming of the Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) in honour of President Bola Tinubu. In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 10th the ex-lawmaker urged President Tinubu to reject the gesture, warning that it erases historical significance and undermines national memory.
The renaming was announced by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who said the iconic facility would henceforth be known as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. However, critics have raised concerns about the appropriateness of renaming such a major national monument after a sitting president.
“The International Conference Centre Abuja was built by IBB,” Sani said, referencing former military president General Ibrahim Babangida under whose regime the centre was constructed. “The President should reject renaming the place with his name.”
Sani argued that while it is acceptable to honour national leaders, such recognition should be linked to projects they spearheaded, not existing landmarks with symbolic national relevance. “Such monuments should not be renamed without regard for historical context,” he said.
The ICC has long served as a venue for diplomatic meetings, national conferences, and cultural events. Critics say that its repurposing under a current administration risks politicizing what should remain a neutral national space.