Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of obtaining loans for the nation’s capital without securing approval from the Senate.
Kingibe made the allegation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, where she said she had raised concerns about the issue with the Senate leadership.
According to the senator, she has not seen Wike appear before the National Assembly to seek approval for any borrowing on behalf of the FCT.
She explained that FCT budgets are normally presented through the appropriate Senate committee before being considered and approved by the upper chamber.
However, Kingibe alleged that the minister had not followed the same process regarding loans obtained for the capital.
“I am definitely saying he has been taking loans without the approval of the National Assembly.”
Kingibe Challenges Wike to Provide Evidence
The senator said she became aware of the alleged borrowings after examining information from the Debt Management Office (DMO) covering loans obtained between August 2023 and March 2026.
She challenged anyone who disputes her claim to produce official records showing that Wike appeared before the National Assembly and sought approval for the loans.
“If anybody contradicts me, they should bring the Votes and Proceedings of the day that Wike came to the National Assembly to ask for approval for anything.”
Kingibe also drew a comparison between the powers of the FCT minister and those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appoints Wike.
She noted that Tinubu himself submits requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly for approval, arguing that the minister’s authority cannot exceed that of the President.
The allegation comes amid continued scrutiny of borrowing and spending linked to infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory.
Source: Channels Television / Ireti Kingibe.
