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Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to produce evidence of Senate approval for loans obtained by the FCT Administration, insisting that no public office holder is above legislative scrutiny.
Kingibe made the demand on Thursday while responding to Wike’s rejection of her earlier allegation that the FCT Administration obtained loans without the required approval of the National Assembly. The senator had said she had never seen the minister appear before the Senate to seek approval for any loan.
Wike, however, has maintained that government borrowing is incorporated into the budget and subjected to legislative approval. Deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, also said the minister followed due process and committed no infraction in financing infrastructure projects in the FCT.
But Kingibe, in a statement posted on X, said her duty as a senator required her to question public borrowing and demand accountability.
“If I raise questions about public borrowing, public funds, or the conduct of government, it is not an act of disrespect; it is part of my duty as a legislator.
“As for not getting approval for the loans, I dare the FCT Minister to show the people of the FCT, and all who have asked, the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given.
“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives, but I know that it was NEVER brought before the Senate.”
The senator further rejected any suggestion that Wike or any other public official could avoid scrutiny because of the office they occupy.
“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.
The dispute comes after Wike also declared that Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027, saying the people of the FCT had chosen former senator Philip Aduda. Kingibe rejected the claim, saying the decision on who represents the FCT belongs to voters.
“And no individual has the authority to decide by personal declaration who the people of the FCT will elect in 2027. That decision belongs solely to the people,” she said.
Kingibe also accused critics of attempting to intimidate women in public office, insisting that female lawmakers should not be silenced for demanding accountability.
“I also want to make this very clear: attempts to intimidate, silence, or demean women in government are totally unacceptable. Women who choose to serve in public office must not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles,” she said.
The senator said she would continue to scrutinise the FCT Administration and raise issues affecting residents, despite the political dispute with the minister.
“I will not be distracted by personal attacks. I will continue to speak when the interest of the FCT demands it, scrutinise matters that require scrutiny, and stand firmly for the people I represent.
“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve.
“The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election,” she said.
