FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of securing loans without obtaining approval from the Senate.
Kingibe made the allegation during an interview, claiming that Wike only appears before the Senate when the FCT budget is being considered, while other matters concerning the territory receive little or no legislative scrutiny.
The senator also accused the Senate of failing to adequately scrutinise the minister’s activities, particularly over funding and the controversial demolition of properties across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Kingibe, Wike has repeatedly obtained loans without bringing the requests before the Senate for approval.
“Wike is taking loans, and he has never come to the Senate for approvals. He only comes to the Senate when it’s time for the budget.”
Kingibe questions demolition committee
Kingibe also disclosed that an ad hoc committee previously established by the Senate to investigate demolitions carried out in the FCT never held a meeting.
She said the Senate had directed Wike to suspend demolitions until the committee concluded its investigation and submitted its report.
However, according to the senator, the committee failed to carry out its assignment.
Kingibe attributed the development partly to what she described as the chairman’s favourable disposition towards the FCT minister.
“The chairman of the committee was saying that Wike is the best thing ever that has happened to Abuja.”
She suggested that such a position made it difficult for the committee to conduct effective oversight of the minister’s activities.
Senator accuses Senate of shielding Wike
Kingibe further alleged that the Senate had consistently failed to hold Wike accountable on issues concerning the FCT.
She said matters involving the territory were routinely overlooked by lawmakers.
“Everything that has to do with the FCT is pushed under the carpet under this Senate.”
The senator’s allegations raise fresh questions about legislative oversight of the FCT administration, particularly regarding borrowing, capital projects and property demolitions.
Neither Wike nor the Senate was quoted in the report as responding to Kingibe’s allegations.
The controversy comes as Wike continues to face criticism over his administration’s demolition exercises and infrastructure projects across Abuja.