Kingibe Challenges Wike: I Won’t Be Intimidated Over My Political Future

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, has responded to recent comments by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, insisting that she will not be intimidated or pressured into abandoning her position on issues concerning the territory.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Kingibe made the remarks in a statement posted on her social media page on Thursday, following Wike’s comments about her political future and her questions concerning borrowings by the FCT Administration.

Wike had said Kingibe would not return to the Senate after the 2027 election and expressed support for former senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat. He also criticised Kingibe over her claims concerning the approval of loans obtained by the FCT Administration.

In her response, Kingibe said questioning public borrowing, government spending and the conduct of public officials was part of her responsibility as a legislator and should not be interpreted as disrespect.

She challenged Wike to produce the Senate’s official Votes and Proceedings showing that the upper chamber had approved the loans in question.

“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.

The senator added that while she could not speak for the House of Representatives, she maintained that the matter had never been brought before the Senate for approval. She also argued that no minister or public office holder was above scrutiny.

The dispute over the loans dates back to August, when Kingibe alleged that the FCT Administration had obtained loans without the approval of the National Assembly. She said she had raised the issue with the Senate leadership and challenged anyone disputing her claim to produce the relevant parliamentary records.

Wike, however, had rejected her position, arguing that borrowing for capital projects was incorporated into the budget and therefore subjected to legislative approval.

Kingibe also rejected Wike’s comments regarding her chances of returning to the Senate in 2027, saying that the decision ultimately belongs to voters in the Federal Capital Territory.

“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.

She further said she would not be deterred by what she described as insults, threats or political pressure, maintaining that women in public office should be able to ask difficult questions and defend their positions without being silenced.

Kingibe said she would remain focused on issues affecting residents of the FCT and continue to scrutinise matters she considers important to the territory.

“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,” she said.

The senator added that she entered public service to serve rather than to be intimidated, while stressing that the people of the FCT would determine the outcome of the 2027 election.