Senator Ireti Kingibe has challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to produce the Senate record approving loans obtained by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, while rejecting his assertion that she will not return to the Senate in 2027.
Kingibe, who represents the FCT, made the remarks on Thursday in a statement posted on her X account, following Wike’s criticism of her earlier comments on the administration’s borrowing.
Wike had dismissed Kingibe’s allegation that the FCT Administration secured loans without the required approval of the National Assembly. He argued that such borrowing would be captured in the budget and subjected to the legislative approval process. He also said Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027 and mentioned former senator Philip Aduda as his preferred candidate for the seat.
Responding, Kingibe asked the minister to provide the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing when the chamber 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,” she said.
Kingibe maintained that the matter had never been brought before the Senate, while noting that she could not speak for the House of Representatives.
She said questioning public borrowing, the use of public funds and government conduct was part of her responsibility as a legislator and should not be interpreted as disrespect.
The senator also rejected Wike’s comments about her political future, saying the choice of who represents the FCT in the Senate belongs to voters.
“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.
Kingibe further said she would not be deterred by what she described as insults, threats or political pressure.
“I have never been one to be intimidated by insults, threats, or political pressure, and I will not start now,” she said.
She argued that public officials should remain open to scrutiny, adding that no minister or other office holder was above the law.
The senator also criticised what she described as attempts to intimidate or silence women in public office, saying female public officials should be able to raise difficult questions without being pressured to remain silent.
Kingibe said she would continue to scrutinise government activities and speak on issues affecting FCT residents.
“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve,” she said.
The dispute follows earlier disagreements between the senator and the FCT minister over the administration’s borrowing and its handling of infrastructure projects in the territory.
The House of Representatives’ deputy spokesperson, Philip Agbese, has separately said there was no evidence that the FCT borrowing breached the required procedures.
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