I’m Willing To Work With Wike If… – Kingibe

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator, Ireti Kingibe, has said she is willing to work with Minister Nyesom Wike if he apologises to her.

Kingibe’s comment came after the FCT minister made remarks about potentially unseating her in the 2027 elections.

The relationship between Kingibe and Wike has been strained since they took office, with politicians exchanging criticisms on multiple occasions.

Wike recently questioned Kingibe regarding her achievements for her constituents since her election.

In response, Kingibe expressed her displeasure, emphasising her seniority over Wike and stating her readiness to cooperate with him, provided he offered an apology.

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She remarked that it is a matter of courtesy for Wike to engage with her respectfully.

“He doesn’t grasp the essence of the FCT. This isn’t personal. He claims he doesn’t want to be friends—how is governance about friendship?” she stated during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm.

“I am genuinely prepared to collaborate with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, but only if he first apologises for suggesting I hang on a transformer.

“Once that happens, we can start anew. Until then, everyone should maintain their roles. I am significantly older than him, and courtesy dictates that he should address me appropriately.”

On July 1, Wike warned Kingibe that her chances of reelection in 2027 were slim, asserting at the launch of the Mabushi Bus Terminal construction in Abuja that the senator needed to perform better during her tenure.

“If we’ve succeeded, we’ve succeeded. If we haven’t, we haven’t. I take pride in our accomplishments since President Tinubu appointed us,” the FCT minister remarked.

“You mention the lack of schools and hospitals—what have you done as a legislator? How many bills have you introduced to enhance our education and health sectors?

“I challenge you. If you believe you are popular, run for office in Abuja in 2027; we will defeat you.”

Kingibe, a Labour Party (LP) member, triumphed over Philip Aduda, an ally of Wike, in the 2023 elections to secure her position as senator for the FCT.

Since her election, tensions have escalated, with Kingibe accusing Wike of sidelining her despite her representation of the capital territory. Wike has suggested that Kingibe’s criticisms stem from her disappointment at not being appointed chairperson of the Senate Committee on the FCT.

During a time of heightened insecurity in the capital, Senator Kingibe alleged that Wike ignored her calls and accused him of not prioritising the interests of FCT residents.