Kingibe to Wike: You Won’t Decide My Senate Return, I Can’t Be Intimidated
..........FCT Senator insists voters will determine her 2027 fate, challenges minister to produce evidence of Senate approval for disputed loans
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory in the National Assembly, has rejected FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s claim that she will not return to the Senate in 2027, insisting that her political future will be determined by the people of the FCT.
Kingibe said she would not be intimidated or silenced in the discharge of her constitutional responsibilities, particularly her duty to question public spending, borrowing and government policies.
The senator’s latest comments followed Wike’s criticism of her position on borrowing by the FCT Administration and his reported endorsement of former FCT Senator Philip Aduda for the 2027 Senate election.
Kingibe maintained that asking questions about the management of public resources should not be interpreted as disrespect or hostility towards the government.
“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.
The senator also challenged Wike to produce documentary evidence showing that the Senate approved the loans in question.
She specifically demanded the official Votes and Proceedings of the Senate session where the alleged approval was granted.
“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.
She added that while she could not speak for the House of Representatives, the matter, according to her, was never brought before the Senate.
Kingibe further insisted that no public official, regardless of political influence or position, should be beyond legislative scrutiny.
“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.
‘The People Will Decide’
Reacting directly to Wike’s statement about her chances of returning to the Senate, Kingibe said the minister had no authority to determine the outcome of an election.
“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 rejected what she described as attempts to intimidate, silence or demean women occupying public office.
According to her, elected representatives must be free to ask difficult questions, demand accountability and challenge decisions involving public resources without fear of political retaliation.
Kingibe said she would remain focused on issues affecting residents of the FCT despite the escalating political disagreement.
“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 said.
The dispute between Kingibe and Wike has increasingly centred on the FCT Administration’s borrowing, legislative oversight and the political direction of the nation's capital ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Kingibe has questioned whether the required legislative approvals were obtained for the loans under discussion, the FCT Administration has maintained that its borrowing and infrastructure financing are subject to the applicable budgetary and legislative processes.
The latest exchange has therefore placed both accountability over public borrowing and the 2027 FCT Senate contest at the centre of an increasingly prominent political confrontation.
For Kingibe, however, the final decision on who represents the FCT in the Senate remains with the electorate.
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