Senator Ireti Kingibe has responded to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike after he questioned her chances of returning to the Senate in 2027, saying her political future will ultimately be decided by voters.
The exchange is the latest development in the public disagreement between the senator and the minister, which has included disputes over FCT borrowing and government accountability.
Wike had recently criticised Kingibe’s concerns about loans obtained by the FCT Administration and said she would not return to the Senate in 2027. He also said, according to his remarks, that FCT voters would support President Bola Tinubu and former senator Philip Aduda.
Kingibe responded in a post on X, saying she would not allow what she described as insults, threats or political pressure to prevent her from carrying out her responsibilities as a senator.
She maintained that questioning public borrowing and government spending is part of her constitutional responsibility.
“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.”
The senator also challenged Wike to produce the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing when approval was granted for the loans in question.
“I dare the FCT minister to show the people of the FCT… the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given.”
Kingibe said she could not speak for the House of Representatives but maintained that, to her knowledge, the matter had not been brought before the Senate.
She further argued that holding public office should not shield anyone from scrutiny.
“No minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny.”
On the 2027 election, Kingibe rejected the suggestion that Wike or any other individual could determine who would represent the FCT in the Senate.
She said the decision belongs to voters when they cast their ballots.
Kingibe also criticised what she described as attempts to intimidate or silence women in public office, saying female lawmakers should be able to raise difficult questions without being pressured to remain silent.
“I will not be distracted by personal attacks. I will continue to speak when the interest of the FCT demands it.”
The dispute between Kingibe and Wike has been ongoing, with both figures publicly disagreeing over issues relating to the administration and financing of FCT projects.
Wike has maintained that government loans require the necessary approval and has criticised Kingibe’s understanding of the borrowing process. Kingibe, meanwhile, is asking for the specific parliamentary records showing the approval she says she has not seen.
The disagreement has now extended into the 2027 Senate race, with both sides offering different views on Kingibe’s political future.
