The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to produce evidence of Senate approval for loans obtained by the FCT Administration, insisting that no minister or public office holder is above scrutiny.
Kingibe spoke on Thursday in response to Wike’s dismissal of her allegation that the FCT Administration secured loans without the required approval of the National Assembly.
The senator had earlier raised concerns about the territory’s borrowing, saying she had never seen Wike appear before the Senate to seek approval for any FCT loan.
Wike, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that government loans are captured in the budget and subjected to legislative approval. He also said Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027 and expressed support for former FCT Senator Philip Aduda.
Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, also dismissed Kingibe’s claim, saying there was no evidence that Wike had violated the required procedures in financing infrastructure projects in the FCT.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Kingibe said she would not be intimidated by insults, threats or political pressure, stressing that her responsibility as a senator was to ask questions, demand accountability and uphold constitutional principles.
“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.
Challenging Wike to provide evidence of the alleged legislative approval, Kingibe said, “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.”
Kingibe further insisted that public officials must remain subject to scrutiny.
“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.
She also rejected Wike’s statement that she would not return to the Senate in 2027, saying the decision belonged to voters in the FCT.
“And 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,” she said.
The senator also criticised what she described as attempts to intimidate, silence or demean women in public office.
She said women serving in government should not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles.
“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,” Kingibe said.
She vowed to continue scrutinising the FCT Administration and speaking on issues affecting residents of the territory.
“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.
“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve.
“The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election,” she said.
The disagreement between Kingibe and Wike over FCT borrowing began in August, when the senator alleged that the administration had obtained loans without National Assembly approval.
Kingibe said she raised the issue after reviewing Debt Management Office records on the territory’s borrowings and questioned whether the required legislative approvals had been obtained.
Wike subsequently defended the borrowing, saying loans for government projects were included in the budget and subjected to legislative approval.
The dispute has since extended to Kingibe’s political future, with Wike saying she would not return to the Senate in 2027, while Kingibe maintains that her electoral fate will be determined by voters in the FCT.
