Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return to the Senate in 2027. Wike made this assertion while inspecting ongoing road projects in Abuja on Tuesday. He accused Kingibe of failing to provide meaningful representation to residents of the nation's capital. This statement comes in response to Kingibe's allegations that the FCT Administration had obtained loans without securing the required approval of the National Assembly.
Kingibe had raised concerns in August about the FCT's borrowings, claiming she had never seen Wike appear before the National Assembly to seek approval for loans. In response, Wike explained that the process of government borrowing requires inclusion in the budget, stating that loans must be approved by the National Assembly. He emphasized that it is not possible to take a loan without the assembly's approval. Wike's comments highlight a disagreement between the FCT minister and the senator over the proper procedures for borrowing.
Wike criticized Kingibe's record as an FCT senator, alleging that she had "failed in all ramifications" and had not delivered meaningful development to residents. He argued that Kingibe's focus should have been on whether borrowed funds were being properly applied to infrastructure projects and whether residents were benefiting from them. Wike's comments suggest that he believes Kingibe has not effectively represented the interests of Abuja residents.
The loan dispute between Wike and Kingibe follows Kingibe's claim that the FCT's domestic debt had increased significantly since Wike became minister. Her position was based on information she obtained from the Debt Management Office covering August 2023 to March 2026. This claim has sparked a debate about the management of FCT finances and the role of the National Assembly in overseeing borrowing.
The House of Representatives has rejected the allegation that Wike breached the required borrowing procedures. Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese stated that there was no evidence that the minister violated the relevant processes in financing FCT infrastructure projects. This development suggests that the controversy over borrowing procedures may not be resolved through legislative action.
Wike has previously backed former FCT senator Philip Aduda, who is seeking the senatorial seat currently held by Kingibe. The minister linked Tuesday's project inspection to the 2027 campaign period, saying residents could judge the administration by the infrastructure being executed across the territory. He inspected ongoing work on the N1 road and other routes, highlighting the importance of these projects in improving connectivity and economic activity.
The FCT minister's comments on Kingibe's political future and her record as a senator have sparked a reaction from various stakeholders. Wike's assertion that Kingibe will not return to the Senate in 2027 has raised questions about the senator's prospects in the upcoming election. The development has also highlighted the ongoing debate about representation and governance in the FCT.
Key points
- - FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says Senator Ireti Kingibe failed to offer meaningful representation to Abuja residents. - Wike accuses Kingibe of failing to provide effective representation and criticizes her record as an FCT senator. - The House of Representatives has rejected allegations that Wike breached borrowing procedures.
