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Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has told FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that he cannot decide or determine whether he returns to the Senate or not in 2027.
Kingibe in his post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, stated that he cannot be intimidated by insults, threats or political pressure, and stressed that no minister is above the law.
According to him, the decision whether or not he returns to the Senate in 2027 belongs to the members of the FCT, not Wike.
“No individual has the authority to decide through personal statements who the members of the FCT will vote for in 2027. That decision belongs solely to the people,” he said.
He further stated, “I have never been intimidated by insults, threats, or political pressure, and I am not going to start now,” Kingibe said.
He said his responsibility as a senator is to ask questions, demand accountability and defend the constitutional principles that are the foundation of democracy.
His position stems from the minister’s recent comments regarding his criticism of the FCT Government and its political future.
But he said raising questions about public borrowing, public funds and government behavior should not be interpreted as an act of disrespect but as part of its legislative responsibilities.
On the controversy over the loan obtained by the FCT Administration, Kingibe challenged Wike to produce official records showing that the Senate approved the loan.
“Regarding not getting approval for the loan, I challenge the FCT Minister to show the people of the FCT, and all those who have asked for it, the Voice and Process on the day that approval was given.
“I can’t speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was NEVER brought up in the Senate,” he said.
Kingibe further stated that no public official should escape scrutiny.
“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public official is immune from scrutiny,” he said.
Kingibe also condemned what he described as efforts to intimidate, silence or demean women in public office.
“Women who choose to hold public office should not be allowed to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles,” she said.
He promised to continue to monitor government activities and speak out on issues affecting FCT citizens.
“I will not be distracted by personal attacks. I will continue to speak out when the interests of the FCT demand it, research matters that require scrutiny, and stand firm for the people I represent,” he said.
“I didn’t enter public service to be intimidated, I entered to serve.
“The wishes of the people of the FCT will come first on election day,” he said.
