The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has said Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, cannot determine whether she will return to the Senate after the 2027 election.
The latest exchange between the senator and the minister followed their disagreement over the FCT’s borrowing and the approval process for government loans.
In August, Kingibe accused Wike of obtaining loans without parliamentary approval and said she had raised the matter with the Senate leadership.
“I have never seen Wike come to the national assembly and before the senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.
Wike subsequently rejected Kingibe’s claim, arguing that her comments showed a lack of understanding of how government borrowing is approved. He also said she would not return to the Senate in 2027, claiming she had “nothing to offer to the people of the FCT”.
“There is no way you can go and take a loan without the approval of the national assembly. If you want to take a loan, you will include it in the budget and state that, in this aspect of the budget, the government will take out a loan,” he said.
“I don’t want to comment about her. She is already packing her things out. The people of the FCT have made their choice. They are going to support President Tinubu and Philip Aduda for senate.”
‘No one can decide for voters’
Reacting in an X post on Thursday, Kingibe said she would not be intimidated by “insults, threats, or political pressure”.
She said questioning government borrowing, public spending and official conduct was part of her responsibility as a legislator.
“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,” Kingibe said.
Addressing the issue of loan approval, she challenged Wike to present the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing that the loans had received approval.
“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,” Kingibe said.
“I cannot speak for the house of representatives but I know that it was never brought before the Senate.
“No minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Wike and Kingibe have remained at odds, with the two politicians frequently disagreeing publicly over issues concerning the administration of the FCT.