Senator Kingibe Challenges Wike: FCT Loan Approval Lacks Legislative Consent

• Senator Ireti Kingibe has challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to provide proof of Senate approval for loans obtained by the FCT Administration.
• Kingibe asserts that no public official is above scrutiny and that the FCT's borrowing was never presented to the Senate for approval.
• Minister Wike rejected the allegations, claiming loans are budgeted and legislatively approved, while also making political remarks about Kingibe's re-election.
• Kingibe condemned attempts to intimidate her and women in government, affirming her duty to demand accountability and uphold constitutional principles.
• The dispute began in August when Kingibe first alleged the FCT Administration secured loans without National Assembly approval.

She underscored her fundamental responsibility as a legislator to pose questions, demand accountability, and uphold the constitutional principles that underpin democratic governance.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, who resigned from the Labour Party in July 2025 and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in December 2025, has publicly challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike regarding the FCT Administration's alleged acquisition of loans without the necessary legislative approval. The senator asserted that no public official, regardless of their position, is exempt from scrutiny, directly confronting Minister Wike to provide concrete evidence of Senate approval for any loans obtained by the FCT Administration.

This demand from Senator Kingibe came on Thursday, following Minister Wike's dismissal of her initial allegations. Kingibe had previously voiced concerns about the FCT's borrowing practices, noting that she had not observed the Minister appearing before the Senate to seek approval for any such financial undertakings. The dispute, which highlights critical aspects of Nigerian public borrowing oversight, first emerged in August when Senator Kingibe initially raised claims about the FCT Administration securing loans without the National Assembly's endorsement.

In response to Senator Kingibe's accusations, Minister Wike rejected the notion that proper procedures were not followed, stating that all government loans are typically accounted for within the budget and are subject to legislative approval. He further ventured into political commentary, suggesting that Senator Kingibe would not secure re-election to the Senate in 2027 and expressing support for former FCT Senator Philip Aduda for the position. Adding to Wike's stance, Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson for the House of Representatives, also dismissed Kingibe's claims, asserting that there was no evidence indicating Wike had bypassed required procedures for financing infrastructure projects in the FCT.

Senator Kingibe, however, remained resolute. In a statement posted on X on Thursday, she declared that she would not be deterred by insults, threats, or political pressure. She underscored her fundamental responsibility as a legislator to pose questions, demand accountability, and uphold the constitutional principles that underpin democratic governance. Challenging the FCT Minister Wike directly, Kingibe dared him to present the 'Votes and Proceedings' from the day any alleged loan approval was granted to the FCT Administration, explicitly stating that the matter was "NEVER brought before the Senate."

The ongoing disagreement between Senator Kingibe and FCT Minister Wike underscores the critical importance of legislative approval for public borrowing, particularly for sub-national entities like the FCT. Senator Kingibe firmly reiterated that no minister or public office holder stands above the law or beyond scrutiny, emphasizing that questioning public borrowing, public funds, or government conduct is an inherent part of her legislative duty, not an act of disrespect. This stance highlights the broader context of Nigerian public borrowing oversight and the necessity for robust National Assembly loan scrutiny.

Furthermore, Senator Kingibe dismissed Minister Wike's assertion regarding her political future, stating unequivocally that the decision of who represents the FCT in 2027 rests solely with the voters of the Federal Capital Territory. She also condemned any attempts to intimidate, silence, or demean women serving in government, stressing that female public officials should not be expected to remain silent simply for asking difficult questions or refusing to compromise their principles. Senator Kingibe affirmed her commitment to continue scrutinizing government activities and advocating for the interests of the FCT, asserting that she entered public service to serve, not to be intimidated, and that the will of the people would ultimately prevail.

This dispute underscores the critical importance of legislative approval for public borrowing, particularly for sub-national entities like the FCT. Lawyers advising on government contracts or public finance should scrutinize the approval process for FCT loans to mitigate legal and financial risks, and compliance officers should monitor adherence to constitutional borrowing procedures.

Source: Original reporting via Punch