Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has alleged that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike secured loans for the capital territory without obtaining approval from the National Assembly.
Kingibe made the allegation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, where she disclosed that she had previously raised concerns with the Senate leadership over the minister’s borrowing activities.
“I have never seen Wike come to the national assembly and before the senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.
She explained that FCT budgets are usually submitted to the Senate through the relevant committee for consideration before being approved by the upper chamber.
However, Kingibe alleged that Wike had not sought similar legislative approval before securing loans for the FCT.
“I am definitely saying he has been taking loans without the approval of the national assembly. I don’t know about the house, but certainly not the senate,” she said.
The senator said she discovered the loans after reviewing information from the Debt Management Office covering borrowings between August 2023 and March 2026.
Kingibe challenged anyone disputing her claim to provide evidence that Wike appeared before the National Assembly to seek approval for the loans.
“If anybody contradicts me, they should bring the Votes and Proceedings of the day that Wike came to the national assembly to ask for approval for anything,” she said.
She further noted that President Bola Tinubu, who appointed Wike as FCT minister, submits requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly for consideration.
Kingibe argued that Wike’s powers as a minister could not exceed those of the President, who is the commander-in-chief.