SENATOR Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the FCT, calling it a “critical political error” with damaging consequences for governance in Abuja.
Speaking during an interview, Kingibe said Wike’s appointment—despite being a member of the opposition—has undermined Tinubu’s administration and deepened dissatisfaction among FCT residents.
“If I were to list the President’s missteps, appointing Minister Wike would top that list,” Kingibe said.
She accused Wike of running the capital in an autocratic manner, ignoring due process and sidelining the rule of law.
According to the senator, Wike has reactivated defunct agencies without legal backing and bypassed legislative protocols.
She alleged that the minister revoked 7,000 out of 11,000 hectares of land allocated to the University of Abuja, an act she said contravenes the Land Use Act.
Kingibe also cited the revocation of land meant for a general hospital in Bwari, which she claimed is now being converted into a market or mall.
She criticised the dismissal of indigent women employed as street sweepers—without replacement—leaving the city unkempt.
She further alleged that over 400 small indigenous contractors have been denied payment for past work, with Wike insisting he is not responsible for contracts awarded before his tenure.
Moreover, Kingibe questioned the minister’s financial transparency, claiming he manages TSA and internally generated funds without reporting to the National Assembly.
“I have documentation, and I will petition the relevant authorities to ensure accountability,” she said.
When asked if she feared backlash from Wike’s camp, Kingibe said she is unshaken. “I’m not afraid of him. I may not expect him to fear me, but he should know I’m watching,” she asserted, even recounting a suspicious incident involving a vehicle trailing her after an oversight visit.
Despite security concerns, Kingibe affirmed her commitment to holding Wike accountable, insisting governance must remain rooted in law and transparency.