THE Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, has called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to apologize for his remarks about threatening to unseat her as an FCT senator in 2027.
Their working relationship has been strained since both took on their roles, with the two politicians frequently trading words.
Wike questioned Kingibe about her achievements for her constituents since her election, to which she took umbrage, citing her seniority over him.
Kingibe expressed that she is open to collaborating with Wike if he first issues an apology.
She stated that basic decorum requires Wike to address her respectfully.
“He clearly doesn’t grasp the significance of the FCT. If he did, he would understand this is not personal.
He claims, ‘I don’t want to be her friend.’ But how does governance relate to friendship?” she asked
“I am genuinely willing to do everything necessary to work with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, provided he apologizes for suggesting I should go and hang on a transformer.
Once that happens, we can start anew, but until then, everyone should stay in their own lane.
With all due respect, I am significantly older than he is; common courtesy should dictate he speaks to me appropriately.”
Wike’s threat to unseat Kingibe
Wike, on July 1, threatened Kingibe, asserting that she would not be reelected in 2027.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Mabushi Bus Terminal construction in Abuja, he stated that the senator had not performed well since taking office.
“If we have succeeded, we have succeeded. If we have not, we haven’t. I am proud to say that in the brief time since President Tinubu appointed us, we have made progress,” Wike stated.
“You say there are no schools or hospitals, so what have you, as a lawmaker, done? How many bills have you sponsored to enhance our education and health sectors? I challenge you. If you’re so popular, run again under Abuja in 2027; we will defeat you.”
Kingibe and Wike’s Ongoing Conflict
Kingibe, a member of the Labour Party (LP), won her seat by defeating Philip Aduda, a supporter of Wike, in the 2023 elections.
Since then, Wike and Kingibe have remained at odds, with Kingibe accusing the FCT minister of ignoring her despite her representation of the capital territory.
Wike has suggested that Kingibe’s criticisms stem from her disappointment at not being appointed chairperson of the Senate Committee on the FCT.
Amid rising insecurity in the capital, Kingibe stated that Wike has not been responsive to her calls and accused him of neglecting the interests of FCT residents.