FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has told Senator Ireti Kingibe that he is not prepared to work with her, arguing that repeated television appearances would not change what he described as the judgment of Abuja residents ahead of the 2027 election.
Wike spoke on Tuesday during a news conference in Abuja while addressing issues surrounding the recent flooding in the Federal Capital Territory.
The comments followed remarks by Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT, during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday. She said she had repeatedly raised concerns about flooding and blocked drainage channels in Abuja before the latest flooding but claimed her concerns were ignored.
Heavy rainfall on Saturday had left several FCT residents stranded after floodwaters submerged vehicles in parts of the capital.
Kingibe had also argued that elected officials and ministers should work together regardless of their political affiliations.
Wike: ‘I’m Not Appointed to Work With an Individual’
Responding to the senator, Wike accused her of failing to adequately address the problems affecting her constituents through her role in the National Assembly.
He said Kingibe should stop focusing on gaining access to him or other government officials and instead use her position as a legislator to raise the concerns of her constituents through the appropriate parliamentary channels.
“She is the one who makes the law. The National Assembly is her own House of Assembly. I am not appointed to work with only one particular person. I work with everybody,” Wike said.
He then made his position on working with Kingibe clear.
“I’m not going to work with her. There is nothing to work with because, you see, when you have laid a bad foundation, it is difficult to turn things around.”
According to Wike, lawmakers who identify problems affecting their constituents should raise those issues in parliament, engage with their constituents and work towards solutions rather than simply seeking meetings with ministers or governors.
He questioned why Kingibe would focus on getting access to government officials instead of using her legislative position to address issues affecting Abuja residents.
Wike Dismisses Kingibe’s TV Appearances
The FCT minister further accused the senator of failing to deliver what he considered effective representation, saying residents were aware of her performance.
“You have done nothing and the people know you have done nothing,” Wike said.
He argued that no number of television appearances would change the views of voters who had already decided how they would vote in 2027.
“If you like, appear on Channels TV 20 times, appear in Arise 55 times… it would not change the mindset of the people.”
Wike said Kingibe should concentrate on demonstrating what she had achieved in the National Assembly instead of using television interviews to seek public support ahead of the next election.
He challenged her to tell Abuja residents about the bills she had sponsored and the legislative work she had undertaken for their benefit.
“Tell them the bill you have proposed for the benefit of the residents of Abuja,” he said.
The minister said effective representation required lawmakers to speak on the floor of the National Assembly on issues affecting their constituents and propose legislation capable of improving their lives.
Wike also criticised what he described as attempts to use television appearances to gain public favour.
“It is not that once anything happens, you come to television,” he said.
He added that he would not blame Kingibe for her approach because, in his view, she had almost lost the election.
“I won’t blame her because she has almost lost the election,” Wike said.
Flooding Triggers Fresh FCT Dispute
The disagreement comes amid renewed concerns about flooding in Abuja after heavy rainfall affected several parts of the capital.
Kingibe had said she previously raised concerns about blocked drainage channels and the risk of flooding, while Wike has defended the FCT Administration’s efforts to address structures obstructing waterways.
The minister has also insisted that the administration would continue enforcement against structures blocking drainage channels and waterways in the FCT.
Kingibe and Wike’s Long-Running Political Rift
Kingibe was initially elected to the Senate on the platform of the Labour Party before defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Wike remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The relationship between the senator and the FCT minister has remained strained since 2023, when Kingibe criticised Wike’s handling of affairs in the Federal Capital Territory.
Their disagreements have continued in the years since, with both politicians taking opposing positions on several issues concerning the administration of the FCT.
