Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has responded to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s recent criticism, saying she cannot be intimidated by insults, threats or political pressure.
Kingibe made the statement on Thursday in a post on her X account while responding to Wike’s comments about her criticism of the FCT Administration and her prospects of returning to the Senate in 2027.
The disagreement between the two politicians centres on borrowing by the FCT Administration.
Kingibe had questioned whether the FCT Administration obtained the required approval from the National Assembly for loans secured to finance projects in the territory.
Wike, while inspecting ongoing projects in Abuja on Tuesday, rejected the allegation and said loans taken by the administration were captured in the budget and subjected to legislative approval.
The minister also criticised Kingibe and said she would not return to the Senate in 2027, while expressing support for former FCT Senator Philip Aduda.
Responding, Kingibe said questioning government borrowing and public expenditure was part of her responsibility as a legislator and should not be interpreted as disrespect.
She challenged Wike to produce the official Senate record showing when approval for the disputed loans was granted.
Kingibe said she could not speak for the House of Representatives but maintained that the matter had not been brought before the Senate.
She further stated that no minister or public office holder should be beyond legal and public scrutiny.
Kingibe also rejected Wike’s assertion about her political future, saying the decision on who represents the FCT in the Senate ultimately rests with voters.
The senator said she would continue to scrutinise the activities of the FCT Administration and raise issues she believes affect residents of the territory.
She also criticised what she described as attempts to intimidate or silence women in public office, saying female public officials should be able to ask difficult questions without being subjected to personal attacks.
The disagreement comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify, with Wike publicly backing Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat while Kingibe maintains her position as the incumbent senator.
For now, the dispute remains centred on the FCT’s borrowing, the question of legislative approval and the competing political positions of the two politicians ahead of the 2027 election.
