Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has strongly criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. She accuses him of operating an autocratic administration and ignoring constitutional guidelines while managing Nigeria's capital affairs.
In a fiery interview with ARISE News on Monday, Kingibe openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's choice of appointing Wike as the FCT Minister, calling it the "greatest wrong" of his administration to date.
"The main issue is that the minister disregards the rule of law. He behaves autocratically, ignoring all rules and regulations. When you attempt to remind him that governance should be based on legal principles, he refuses to acknowledge it," Kingibe remarked.
She claimed that the former governor of Rivers State unlawfully reinstated agencies without proper legislative support. "He revived these agencies without any enabling laws. If he wants to establish them, he should request the National Assembly to create those laws; however, he doesn't do this because it seems like he thinks he's above following procedures," she remarked.
She claimed that Wike violated the Land Use Act by revoking 7,000 hectares from an initial allocation of 11,000 to the University of Abuja. "Taking land from an institution and giving it to individuals is illegal," she stated.
Regarding street cleaners, the senator criticized Wike for abruptly ending the employment of underprivileged women without providing alternatives. "Abuja is becoming dirty. Previous ministers permitted these impoverished women, many widows among them, to maintain cleanliness in the streets. When Wike assumed office, he dismissed them and failed to introduce mechanical sweepers."
She also alleged that the minister declined to pay numerous small indigenous contractors in Abuja, asserting that he dismissed their claims because he was not the one who awarded them the jobs.
When questioned about Wike's apparent popularity in recent opinion polls, Kingibe brushed off the findings. "The validity of these polls relies heavily on who conducted them," he said. "With local government elections approaching, we should wait and see if he can influence voters to follow his lead."
She openly criticized President Tinubu's decision to appoint Wike. She stated, "If I were listing all of President Tinubu's mistakes, choosing Minister Wike would be the most detrimental one. It has harmed his reputation more than anything else."
The senator additionally alleged that Wike reallocated land in Bwari, originally designated for a general hospital, to be used instead for a market or mall. She remarked that he is also pressuring embassies regarding ground rent issues.
When asked if she is concerned about the repercussions of her persistent criticism, Kingibe stated that she remains unfazed. "I'm certainly not afraid of him," she said. "I’m not suggesting he should be afraid of me either, but he should understand that I will be informed about most things he does."
She revealed that following a supervisory visit to Sokoto, she was tailed by a black jeep on her way home, which heightened security worries. However, she stated confidently, "I'm a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I have rights... It is God who protects."
When asked about the possibility of collaborating with the minister for the benefit of the FCT, she replied: "I cannot compel him. Even when I send him letters, he doesn't reply. If he's too busy to respond himself, he could at least have an aide do so on his behalf."
The senator announced she has separated from the Labour Party and is now formally joining the Action Democratic Congress (ADC). "I intend to defect, although I haven't done so officially yet. I've been without a party for several months," she stated.
When asked directly about her next step being with the ADC, she responded: "Oh, definitely."
She stated that political candidates are already securing tickets in the ADC, and the party is preparing for a confrontation with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the FCT by 2026.
Post a Comment