Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has rejected the claim by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike that she will not return to the Senate after the 2027 general elections.
Kingibe said Wike had no authority to determine her political future, stressing that the decision would ultimately be made by the people of the FCT.
The dispute between the senator and the minister follows disagreements over the FCT administration’s borrowing plans.
Kingibe had in August raised concerns over alleged borrowings by the FCT administration without parliamentary approval, saying she had brought the matter to the attention of the Senate leadership.
Wike, while reacting to the senator’s position on Tuesday, dismissed her concerns and said she would not return to the Senate in 2027, alleging that she had “nothing to offer to the people of the FCT”.
Responding in a post on her verified X handle, Kingibe said she would not be intimidated by “insults, threats, or political pressure”.
She maintained that questioning government spending and demanding accountability were part of her constitutional responsibilities as a legislator.
“If I raise questions about public borrowing, public funds, or the conduct of government, it is not an act of disrespect; it is part of my duty as a legislator,” she said.
On the alleged approval of the loans, Kingibe challenged Wike to produce the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing when the approval 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.
“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives, but I know that it was never brought before the Senate,” she added.
The senator further maintained that no government minister or public official was above scrutiny or the law.
“No minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny.
“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,” Kingibe said.
She also criticised what she described as attempts to intimidate or silence women in public office, arguing that female politicians should not be expected to remain silent when they raise questions about government policies and spending.
“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 added.
