Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has hit back at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, insisting that he cannot determine whether she returns to the Senate in the 2027 election.
Kingibe said she would not be intimidated by what she described as insults, threats or political pressure, stressing that the decision on who represents the FCT in the Senate ultimately belongs to the electorate.
Her comments followed Wike’s recent declaration that Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027. The minister had also criticised her after she questioned the process through which the FCT Administration secured loans for infrastructure projects.
Responding in a post on X on Thursday, Kingibe said questioning government borrowing, public spending and the conduct of public officials was part of her constitutional responsibility as a legislator.
“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 the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing when the loans in question were approved.
“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was never brought before the Senate,” Kingibe said.
She further maintained that no minister, regardless of position, was above the law or scrutiny.
“No minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.
On the 2027 election, Kingibe rejected Wike’s assertion that her political future had already been decided.
“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.
Kingibe also criticised what she described as attempts to intimidate or silence women in public office, saying female lawmakers should not be expected to remain silent when raising difficult questions or demanding accountability.
The senator vowed to continue scrutinising government activities and speaking on issues affecting residents of the FCT.
“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve,” she said.
The latest exchange adds to an increasingly public disagreement between Kingibe and Wike over FCT borrowing, governance and the senator’s political future ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike has maintained that the FCT’s borrowing followed the required approval process.
