Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has responded to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike's dismissal of her allegations that the FCT Administration obtained loans without National Assembly approval. Kingibe stated that no minister or public office holder is above scrutiny, emphasizing her duty as a legislator to ask questions and demand accountability. She challenged Wike to produce evidence of Senate approval for the loans.
The disagreement between Kingibe and Wike began in August when Kingibe alleged that the FCT Administration had obtained loans without National Assembly approval. Kingibe raised the issue after reviewing Debt Management Office records on the territory's borrowings and questioned whether the required legislative approvals had been obtained. Wike defended the borrowing, saying loans for government projects were included in the budget and subjected to legislative approval.
Kingibe rejected Wike's assertion that he could determine whether she would return to the Senate in 2027, saying the decision belonged to voters in the FCT. She emphasized that no individual has the authority to decide by personal declaration who the people of the FCT will elect in 2027. Kingibe also condemned attempts to intimidate, silence, or demean women in government.
Kingibe insisted that she would not be intimidated by insults, threats, or political pressure. She stated that her responsibility as a senator was to ask questions, demand accountability, and defend the constitutional principles upon which democracy stands. Kingibe dared Wike to show the people of the FCT and all who have asked the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, had also dismissed Kingibe's claim, saying there was no evidence that Wike violated the required procedures in financing infrastructure projects in the FCT. Kingibe, however, maintained that she would continue to scrutinize government activities and speak on issues affecting the FCT.
Kingibe emphasized that women in public office should not be expected to remain silent because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles. She said she would not be distracted by personal attacks and would continue to speak when the interest of the FCT demands it.
The dispute has expanded into a disagreement over Kingibe's political future, with Wike saying she would not return to the Senate in 2027, while Kingibe maintains that the decision rests with voters in the FCT. Kingibe concluded that the will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election.
Key points
- Senator Ireti Kingibe challenges FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to produce evidence of Senate approval for FCT loans.
- Kingibe insists that no minister or public office holder is above scrutiny.
- The disagreement between Kingibe and Wike expands into a dispute over Kingibe's political future.
