Kingibe to Wike: You Can’t Silence Me

Chuks Okocha in Abuja 

Senator Ireti Kingibe has fired back at Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying he could not intimidate her into silence her.

Kingibe, who represents FCT at the senate, said no individual could determine whether she returns to the Senate in the 2027 election.

Her response followed Wike’s declaration that she would not return to the red chamber, with the minister saying the FCT residents had chosen to support a former senator, Philip Aduda, for the senatorial seat.

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

The minister dismissed the allegation, saying Kingibe’s comments showed a lack of understanding of the process of securing government loans. He also said the senator had “nothing to offer” the people of the FCT.

But responding in a post on X yesterday, Kingibe said she would not be intimidated by what she described as insults, threats or political pressure.

The senator said her responsibility was to ask questions, demand accountability and uphold constitutional principles.

“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.

Kingibe also challenged Wike to produce the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing that the loans she questioned had received the required 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. I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was never brought before the Senate.”

Kingibe said no public official was above scrutiny, regardless of their position.

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