You can’t silence me, Kingibe fires back at Wike

By KEMI KASUMU

“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.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has fired back at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, declaring that no individual can determine whether she returns to the Senate in 2027.

Kingibe’s response followed Wike’s declaration that she would not return to the red chamber, as he said FCT residents had chosen to support former Senator Philip Aduda for the senatorial seat.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday September 22, 2026, while inspecting ongoing road projects in the FCT, after Kingibe accused the FCT Administration of obtaining loans without the required approval of the National Assembly.

The minister rejected the allegation, arguing that government borrowing was incorporated into the budget and subjected to legislative approval. He also criticised Kingibe’s understanding of the borrowing process and said she had “nothing to offer” the people of the FCT.

But in a statement posted on X on Thursday, Kingibe said she would not be intimidated by what she described as “insults, threats, or political pressure.”

The senator said asking questions about public borrowing, public funds and government conduct 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.

On the disputed loans, Kingibe challenged Wike to produce the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing when the required approval was given.

“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.

“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was NEVER brought before the Senate.”

Kingibe also rejected Wike’s assertion that her political future had already been decided, saying the choice of who represents the FCT in the Senate 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.

She further said no public official was above scrutiny.

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

Kingibe added that she would continue to raise issues affecting the FCT and scrutinise government activities.

“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,” she said.

The dispute between Kingibe and Wike began over the FCT’s borrowing and has since expanded into a political disagreement over the 2027 FCT senatorial contest.

The House of Representatives’ Deputy Spokesperson, Philip Agbese, has separately rejected Kingibe’s allegation that Wike borrowed without the required approvals, saying there was no evidence that the FCT Administration violated the prescribed procedures.