Precious Nwonu, Enugu
Senator Ireti Kingibe has rejected comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that she will not return to the Senate after the 2027 elections.
Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, said no individual politician could determine her political future, insisting that the people of the territory would decide who represents them.
Wike had on Tuesday said Kingibe would not return to the Senate, while expressing support for former senator Philip Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat. He made the remarks while inspecting ongoing road projects in Abuja.
The disagreement between the two politicians followed Kingibe’s criticism of the FCT Administration over alleged borrowing without the required approval of the National Assembly.
Wike dismissed the allegation, arguing that government borrowing for infrastructure projects must form part of the budget and receive the necessary legislative approval. He also criticised Kingibe’s understanding of the borrowing process and said she had little to offer residents of the FCT.
Responding on Thursday, Kingibe said she would not be intimidated by political pressure, stressing that questioning government actions was part of her responsibility as a legislator.
She maintained that raising concerns about public borrowing and the use of public funds should not be interpreted as disrespect to the FCT minister or the administration.
Kingibe challenged Wike to produce the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing when the loans she questioned were presented to and approved by the chamber.
She said she was aware that the matter had not been brought before the Senate, while noting that she could not speak for the House of Representatives.
The senator also insisted that no public office holder was beyond scrutiny, regardless of the position occupied.
Her latest response adds to an increasingly public disagreement between the senator and the FCT minister over the administration of the territory, its financing and the 2027 Senate election.