No minister is above scrutiny, Kingibe replies Wike - Punch Newspapers

Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe. Photo: Ireti Kingibe on X

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has told FCT Minister Nyesom Wike that no minister or public office holder is above scrutiny, as she challenged him to produce evidence of Senate approval for loans obtained by the FCT Administration. Kingibe made the statement on Thursday while responding to Wike’s dismissal of her allegation that the FCT Administration obtained loans without the required approval of the National Assembly. The senator had earlier raised concerns about the FCT’s borrowing, saying she had never seen Wike appear before the Senate to seek approval for any loan. Wike, however, rejected the allegation, saying government loans were captured in the budget and subjected to legislative approval. He also said Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027 and backed former FCT Senator, Philip Aduda, for the seat. The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, had also dismissed Kingibe’s claim, saying there was no evidence that Wike violated the required procedures in financing infrastructure projects in the FCT. Responding in a statement posted on X on Thursday, Kingibe said she would not be intimidated by insults, threats or political pressure. She said her responsibility as a senator was to ask questions, demand accountability and defend the constitutional principles upon which democracy stands. Kingibe said, “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.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google “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.” The senator further insisted that no minister or public office holder 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. Kingibe also rejected Wike’s assertion that he could determine whether she would return to the Senate in 2027, saying the decision belonged to voters in the FCT. FCT truck driver, two others held for vandalising NNPC pipeline Ex-deputy speaker urges women to mobilise for Tinubu, Chinda Diaspora voting: The Nigerian mirage “And 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 condemned what she described as attempts to intimidate, silence or demean women in government. She said women in public office should not be expected to remain silent because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles. “I also want to make this very clear: attempts to intimidate, silence, or demean women in government are totally unacceptable. Women who choose to serve in public office must not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles,” Kingibe said. She said she would continue to scrutinise government activities and speak on issues affecting the FCT. “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. “The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election,” she said. The disagreement between Kingibe and Wike over the FCT’s borrowing began in August when the senator alleged that the FCT Administration had obtained loans without National Assembly approval. Kingibe said she had raised the issue after reviewing Debt Management Office records on the territory’s borrowings and questioned whether the required legislative approvals had been obtained. Wike subsequently defended the borrowing and said loans for government projects were included in the budget and subjected to legislative approval. The dispute has since expanded into a disagreement over Kingibe’s political future, with Wike saying she would not return to the Senate in 2027, while the senator maintains that the decision rests with voters in the FCT. Fawzi Kehinde Fawzi is a journalist and subeditor covering a wide range of beats including politics, metro, and international news, among others. He also optimises stories for digital audiences.

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