Senator Ireti Kingibe has rejected Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s claim that she will not return to the Senate in 2027, saying she cannot be intimidated into silence.
Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, said no individual could determine whether she would retain her seat in the 2027 election.
Her reaction followed Wike’s declaration that FCT residents had chosen to support former senator Philip Aduda for the senatorial seat.
Wike made the statement 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 that she did not understand the process of securing government loans. He also accused the senator of having “nothing to offer” the people of the FCT.
However, in a post on X on Thursday, Kingibe said she would not be intimidated by insults, threats or political pressure.
The senator said her role 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,” she said.
“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was never brought before the Senate.”
Kingibe maintained that 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.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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