FCT Senator Takes on Wike: "You're Not the Governor of Abuja!"

Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has issued a caution to Nyesom Wike, the coordinating minister of the FCT, advising him not to overstep his authority without due consideration of the national assembly. 

According to reports from This Day, Senator Kingibe emphasized that the National Assembly is responsible for carrying out legislative functions concerning the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), akin to how state assemblies operate in relation to state governments.

Senator Kingibe voiced her concerns while criticizing the recent swearing-in of eight mandate secretaries by Minister Wike. She argued that Wike lacked the authority to appoint and inaugurate these mandate secretaries, some of whom were FCT natives.

She emphasized that the FCTA operates under the oversight of the National Assembly and the President, stating, "The minister does not possess executive powers; he collaborates closely with the National Assembly and the President in the administration of the FCT." In addressing her constituents, the senator underscored her accountability to the people, having been elected, while Nyesom Wike was appointed by President Bola Tinubu.

Nonetheless, Senator Kingibe expressed optimism about collaborating with Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, saying, "You must remember that the minister and I have different goals. I was elected by the people; I’m answerable to you, the people of the FC; he is not. But working together, I hope we can merge our interests."