Harrison EDEH
SENATOR Ireti Kingibe representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said she will not be initimidated by Nyesom Wike, minister of the FCT over her constitutional oversighting of the capital territory.
She also said the minister cannot determine her chances of returning to the red chamber in the 2027 election.
Recall,Kingibe and the FCT minister have been at daggers-drawn rising from opposing political leanings and interests.
Kingibe has on several fora alleged that the Minister has not been following due process in budget and loan approvals,stressing that no one is above the rules.
For instance,in August, Kingibe said Wike was borrowing without parliamentary approval.
The senator added that she had raised concerns with the senate leadership over the FCT minister’s borrowings.
“I have never seen Wike come to the national assembly and before the senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.
On Tuesday, Wike faulted Kingibe’s claims on borrowings.
The minister added that Kingibe’s remark demonstrated a lack of understanding of how government loans are secured.
Wike,in a new twist said the senator would not return to the senate in 2027, adding that she has “nothing to offer to the people of the FCT”.
“There is no way you can go and take a loan without the approval of the national assembly. If you want to take a loan, you will include it in the budget and state that, in this aspect of the budget, the government will take out a loan,” he said.
“I don’t want to comment about her. She is already packing her things out. The people of the FCT have made their choice. They are going to support President Tinubu and Philip Aduda for senate.”
Responding in an X post on Thursday, Kingibe said she is not one to be intimidated by “insults, threats, or political pressure”.
The lawmaker added that her responsibility as a senator is to ask questions, demand accountability and defend the constitutional principles of democracy.
“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,” Kingibe said.
On the approval of loans, she asked Wike to produce votes and proceedings showing senate approval.
“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,” Kingibe said.
“I cannot speak for the house of representatives but I know that it was never brought before the Senate.
“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.
“I also want to make this very clear: attempts to intimidate, silence, or demean women in government are totally unacceptable. Women who choose to serve in public office must not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles.
“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.
