Ireti Kingibe says she will keep questioning Wike’s FCT government and challenges him to produce Senate records approving disputed loans
Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, has vowed to continue scrutinising the administration of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, after the pair clashed over FCT borrowing and her political future.
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Kingibe made the declaration on Thursday in a post on her verified X account, saying she would not be deterred by what she described as insults, threats or political pressure.
The latest exchange follows a dispute over loans obtained by the FCT Administration to finance infrastructure projects.
Kingibe had questioned whether the FCT Administration secured the loans with the required approval of the National Assembly.
Wike rejected the allegation, maintaining that government borrowing is incorporated into the budget and subject to legislative approval.
Wike also criticised Kingibe personally during an inspection of projects in Abuja on Tuesday, describing her as “illiterate” and saying she would not return to the Senate after the 2027 election.
He further said former senator Philip Aduda would receive support for the FCT Senate seat.
Kingibe has now challenged the minister 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,” Kingibe said.
“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was NEVER brought before the Senate.”
Kingibe said questioning public borrowing, the management of public funds and the conduct of government officials formed part of her constitutional responsibilities 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 dispute has also drawn comments from the House of Representatives.
Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the House, previously said Wike followed due process in borrowing for FCT infrastructure and that borrowing for projects was not unlawful where the required procedures and approvals were followed.
The disagreement has therefore centred not only on whether the FCT borrowed money, but also on the process through which the borrowing was authorised and incorporated into government spending plans.
Kingibe also rejected Wike’s assertion that her return to the Senate in 2027 had already been determined.
“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 criticised attempts to intimidate or silence women in public office, arguing that female lawmakers should be able to raise difficult questions and defend their positions without being subjected to personal attacks.
“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve,” Kingibe said.
The confrontation adds another chapter to the increasingly public disagreement between the senator and the FCT minister over governance in the capital.
For now, Kingibe has made clear that she intends to continue scrutinising decisions affecting the territory, while Wike maintains that the FCT’s borrowing followed the appropriate process and is being used to fund infrastructure.
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The dispute is unfolding ahead of the 2027 elections, when Kingibe’s FCT Senate seat will again be contested and voters will ultimately determine who represents the territory in the Senate.
