Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to allegations by Senator Ireti Kingibe that he obtained loans for capital projects in Abuja without National Assembly approval. Wike made these remarks in Abuja on Tuesday after inspecting ongoing projects. He argued that Kingibe lacked understanding of legislative processes and public finance procedures. Wike questioned how any government official could bypass the legislature to obtain a loan.
Wike explained the protocol required to secure official financing, stating that loans must be included in the budget and approved by the National Assembly. He expressed surprise that Kingibe, a senator, would not know this. Wike claimed that Kingibe's allegations stemmed from confusion over the rapid pace of infrastructure development in Abuja. He noted that Kingibe initially criticized his administration for inactivity but shifted her narrative upon seeing physical results.
The FCT Minister dismissed Kingibe's relevance in the FCT political landscape, asserting that her tenure in the National Assembly was effectively coming to an end. He claimed that residents of the territory had aligned their support with President Bola Tinubu's administration and Philip Aduda, who represented FCT in the 7th, 8th, and 9th Senate. Wike stated that the people had made a choice and would support Tinubu and Aduda.
Wike alleged that Kingibe's accusations were a result of her changing stance on his administration's performance. He recalled that Kingibe initially criticized him for doing nothing but now criticizes him for taking a loan. Wike argued that the focus should be on whether the loan was used to fulfill the interests of residents. He expressed confidence in the infrastructure development underway in Abuja.
The FCT Minister emphasized that if a loan was taken, it would be part of the budget and subject to National Assembly approval. He questioned how Kingibe could claim that he bypassed the legislature to obtain a loan. Wike's remarks suggest that he is confident in his administration's transparency and adherence to legislative processes.
Wike's comments on Kingibe's allegations have sparked further debate on the FCT's infrastructure development and the role of the National Assembly in approving loans. The Senator's office has not responded to Wike's remarks. The FCT Minister's assertions highlight the ongoing efforts to develop Abuja's infrastructure and the importance of transparency in public finance.
The development has implications for the FCT's political landscape, particularly with regards to the upcoming Senate election. Wike's support for Aduda and the Tinubu administration suggests a shift in the territory's political dynamics. The outcome of the election will determine the next representative of the FCT in the Senate.
Key points
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismisses Senator Ireti Kingibe's allegations on loan approval for capital projects.
- Wike claims Kingibe lacks understanding of legislative processes and public finance procedures.
- The development has implications for the FCT's political landscape, particularly with regards to the upcoming Senate election.
