FCT Loan Controversy: Kingibe Challenges Wike to Produce Senate Approval Records
By Akin Alade
ABUJA — The growing disagreement between Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has shifted from political exchanges to a direct demand for documentary evidence over the approval of loans reportedly obtained for projects in the nation’s capital.
Kingibe, responding to recent comments by Wike, challenged the FCT Minister to produce the Senate’s official Votes and Proceedings showing where the upper chamber approved the loans in question. She maintained that raising questions about public borrowing, government expenditure and official conduct falls within her responsibilities as a legislator.
The controversy began after Kingibe questioned whether the FCT Administration had obtained the necessary legislative approvals for its borrowing. Wike rejected the allegation, arguing that government borrowing for capital projects is incorporated into the budget and subjected to the required legislative process.
But Kingibe has insisted that the issue should be settled through official records rather than political arguments. According to her, the FCT Minister should make available the legislative proceedings that demonstrate Senate approval, adding that she was not aware of any such request being presented before the Senate.
The senator also rejected Wike’s assertion that her political future had already been determined ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike had said Kingibe would not return to the Senate and expressed support for former FCT Senator Philip Aduda. Kingibe responded that the decision on who represents the FCT ultimately belongs to voters.
Beyond the borrowing controversy, Kingibe said public officials should remain subject to scrutiny regardless of the strength of their political positions. She declared that no minister or public office holder should be regarded as being beyond the law or accountability.
The dispute has also attracted comments from other political actors. Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, previously dismissed the allegation that Wike bypassed the National Assembly in relation to FCT borrowing, saying there was no evidence of an infraction in the financing of infrastructure projects.
For residents and stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory, the central issue now goes beyond the political disagreement between two prominent public officials. The key question is whether the relevant borrowing received the approvals required by law and whether the documentary records of such approvals can be made available for public scrutiny.
Kingibe has vowed to continue questioning government decisions affecting the FCT, insisting that she will not be distracted by political attacks or pressure. She said her focus would remain on legislative oversight, accountability and issues affecting the people she represents.
