Kingibe Fires Back at Wike, Demands Evidence of FCT Loan Approval

Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to produce documentary evidence showing that the National Assembly approved loans obtained by the FCT Administration.

Kingibe made the demand in a statement posted on her verified X account on Thursday, September 24, while responding to Wike's recent comments concerning her criticism of the FCT's borrowing and her political future.

The senator had previously questioned whether the FCT Administration obtained the necessary legislative approval for its loans. Wike rejected the allegation, maintaining that government borrowing for projects is captured in the budget and subjected to legislative approval.

In her response, Kingibe challenged the minister to publish the Senate's Votes and Proceedings showing when approval for the loans in question was granted.

“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,” she said.

Kingibe added that while she could not speak for the House of Representatives, she was certain that the matter had not been brought before the Senate for approval.

The senator said questioning public borrowing and government expenditure was part of her responsibility as a legislator and insisted that public officials should remain subject to scrutiny.

“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.

The dispute over the FCT's borrowing has been ongoing since Kingibe raised concerns about the administration's loans. Wike has maintained that the borrowing process complied with legislative requirements, while Kingibe continues to question whether the necessary approvals were obtained.

Kingibe also responded to Wike's statement that she would not return to the Senate after the 2027 election. The minister had expressed support for former FCT Senator Philip Aduda in the contest.

Rejecting the assertion, Kingibe said no individual could determine who the people of the FCT would elect.

“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 also criticised what she described as attempts to intimidate, silence or demean women in public office, arguing that female public officials should be able to raise questions and challenge government actions without being pressured into silence.

Kingibe said she would continue to scrutinise government activities and speak on issues affecting residents of the FCT.

“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve,” she said, adding that the will of FCT voters would ultimately determine the outcome of the election.

The disagreement between Kingibe and Wike therefore remains centred on two issues: the legislative approval of FCT borrowing and the senator's political future ahead of the 2027 election.