FCT: ‘She has intimidated herself’ – Wike raises three questions for Senator Ireti Kingibe
Wike Criticizes FCT Senator Kingibe Over Infrastructure and Loan Accusations
ABUJA — Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), publicly criticized Senator Ireti Kingibe for her lack of action in representing the capital city. Wike’s remarks came during a press briefing on September 24 following an inspection of infrastructure projects in surrounding satellite towns.
The conflict between Wike and Kingibe intensified as the senator accused the minister of securing loans for the FCT without the necessary approval from the National Assembly. Appearing on Channels Television’s “Political Paradigm,” Kingibe claimed that a review of records from the Debt Management Office (DMO) revealed Wike’s administration had obtained loans between August 2023 and March 2026 without parliamentary clearance.
Kingibe challenged Wike to provide documentation proving that he had secured legislative approval for these loans, emphasizing that she had never witnessed him appear before the Senate to make such requests.
In response to Kingibe’s allegations, Wike asserted that no government can secure a loan without legislative approval, stating that borrowing is explicitly outlined in the annual budget for the FCT.
While addressing Kingibe’s statements about intimidation, Wike clarified that his comments were intended to foster accountability. He questioned how often Kingibe had engaged with communities in satellite towns and traditional leaders, and he asked what legislative efforts she had undertaken on behalf of the FCT.
“How many times has she gone to satellite towns to consult with them, even traditional rulers? How many times has she spoken on the floor of the Senate regarding the problems faced by the FCT?” Wike posed rhetorically. He added, “It’s not about intimidation; nobody’s intimidating her. Rather, she has intimidated herself by not performing.”
The exchange marks a notable escalation in the ongoing debate regarding infrastructure and governance in Nigeria’s capital.
