Wike Under Fire? Reps Spokesman Reveals Truth About Alleged Secret Borrowing

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has dismissed claims that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, obtained loans without the approval or knowledge of the National Assembly.

Agbese made the clarification while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, describing the allegation as misleading and insisting that there was no evidence that the FCT Minister violated any law in securing funds for projects and programmes in the nation’s capital.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Agbese was reacting to claims by Senator Ireti Kingibe that the FCT Administration had borrowed funds without obtaining the necessary legislative approval.

The lawmaker explained that public borrowing in Nigeria is governed by constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures involving relevant government institutions. He therefore maintained that Wike could not be accused of secretly borrowing money behind the National Assembly without evidence of a specific violation.

“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.

He further pointed out that the National Assembly had continued to exercise its oversight responsibilities over the Federal Capital Territory Administration through budgetary processes and appearances before relevant committees.

According to him, an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as proof of an illegal borrowing arrangement, noting that borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful when the required approvals and procedures are followed.

“The critical issue is whether the required approvals and procedures have been followed,” he added.

Agbese also rejected suggestions that Wike had operated without legislative scrutiny, describing the FCT Minister as one of the public officials who had consistently engaged with the National Assembly.

“Under our searchlight, the FCT Minister is one of the most legislatively compliant public servants. He has consistently engaged the National Assembly and subjected the activities of the FCT Administration to legislative scrutiny,” he said.

The House spokesman urged lawmakers and other stakeholders raising concerns over public borrowing to provide specific details and official documents supporting their allegations.

He said that if there were questions surrounding particular borrowing arrangements, Senator Kingibe or any other interested party should identify the transactions involved and request the relevant authorities to produce the documents and approvals governing them.