Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has accused Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, of obtaining loans for the nation’s capital without the approval of the National Assembly.
Kingibe made the allegation while appearing on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, where she said she had raised concerns about the minister’s borrowing with the leadership of the Senate.
“I have never seen Wike come to the national assembly and before the senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.
The senator explained that FCT budgets are normally presented to the Senate through the relevant committee for consideration before they are approved by the upper chamber.
She, however, alleged that Wike had not followed the same process in obtaining loans for the FCT.
“I am definitely saying he has been taking loans without the approval of the national assembly. I don’t know about the house, but certainly not the senate,” Kingibe said.
According to her, she became aware of the borrowings after reviewing information from the Debt Management Office covering loans obtained between August 2023 and March 2026.
Kingibe challenged anyone disputing her claim to produce evidence showing that Wike appeared before the National Assembly to seek approval for the loans.
“If anybody contradicts me, they should bring the Votes and Proceedings of the day that Wike came to the national assembly to ask for approval for anything,” she said.
The FCT senator further argued that Wike’s authority could not exceed that of President Bola Tinubu, from whom the minister derives his powers.
She noted that Tinubu submits requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
“His powers cannot be more than the powers of the commander-in-chief,” Kingibe said.
Boluwatife Enome
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