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Kingibe Challenges Wike to Produce Senate Loan Approval Records
Senator Ireti Kingibe has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to provide evidence that the loans she questioned received the required approval from the National Assembly.
Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, made the demand in a post on X on Thursday while responding to Wike’s comments that she would not return to the Senate in 2027.
Wike had said FCT residents had chosen to support former senator Philip Aduda for the senatorial seat. His comments followed Kingibe’s criticism of the administration over loans she alleged were obtained without National Assembly approval.
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The minister dismissed the allegation, saying Kingibe did not understand the process of securing government loans and accusing her of having “nothing to offer” the people of the FCT.
In her response, Kingibe said her role as a legislator included questioning public borrowing, demanding accountability and upholding constitutional principles.
She challenged Wike to produce the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing when the loans 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.”
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Kingibe also rejected what she described as attempts to silence her through insults, threats or political pressure, insisting that public officials should remain open to scrutiny.
“No minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.