Kingibe Dares Wike To Show Senate Record On Loan Approvals For FCT

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to produce the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing that the red chamber approved loans obtained by the FCT Administration.

Kingibe, in a statement on Thursday, insisted that the Senate had never considered or approved the loans, saying her demand for accountability over public borrowing was part of her constitutional responsibility as a legislator.

Her reaction followed Wike’s dismissal of her allegation that the FCT Administration secured loans without the required approval of the National Assembly.

The minister had argued that borrowing for capital projects was captured in the budget and subjected to legislative approval.

But Kingibe challenged Wike to provide documentary evidence of the alleged 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,” she said.

She added, “I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was NEVER brought before the Senate. The President from whom the Minister derives his powers has always sought approval for ALL loans from the Senate.”

Kingibe also defended her scrutiny of public borrowing, government funds and the conduct of public officials, saying such questions should not be viewed as disrespect.

“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.

The senator also rejected Wike’s comments about her political future, insisting that the decision on who represents the FCT in the Senate in 2027 belongs to the electorate.

“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.

Wike had said Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027 and backed former senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat.

Kingibe further accused unnamed individuals of trying to intimidate or demean women in public office, arguing that female politicians should not be expected to remain silent when they raise difficult questions or defend their positions.

She said she would continue to scrutinise issues affecting the FCT and represent the interests of its residents despite the political attacks.

“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve,” she said.

Kingibe said she would not be distracted by personal attacks and would continue to speak whenever she believed the interests of the FCT were at stake.

“The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election,” she added.