Ireti Kingibe Accuses Wike of Taking FCT Loans Without Senate Approval
Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of obtaining loans without securing approval from the National Assembly.
Kingibe made the allegation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm programme.
The senator said she had raised concerns with the Senate leadership over borrowing linked to the Federal Capital Territory.
According to her, she had not seen Wike appear before the Senate to request approval for any of the loans.
“I have never seen Wike come to the national assembly and before the senate to ask for approval of anything,” Kingibe said.
Kingibe questions Wike’s borrowing
Kingibe explained that FCT budgets normally pass through the relevant Senate committee before receiving approval from the upper legislative chamber.
She, however, alleged that Wike had not followed the same legislative process for loans obtained for the nation’s capital.
“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,” she said.
The senator said her concerns were based on information she reviewed from the Debt Management Office (DMO).
She referred specifically to borrowing data covering the period from August 2023 to March 2026.
Senator challenges Wike’s supporters to provide evidence
Kingibe challenged anyone who disputes her allegation to produce official records showing that Wike sought legislative approval for the loans.
She specifically called for the Votes and Proceedings from any Senate sitting where the minister allegedly appeared to request approval.
“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 senator maintained that she had not seen evidence showing that Wike appeared before the Senate to obtain such approval.
Kingibe compares Wike’s powers with Tinubu’s
Kingibe also questioned the extent of the FCT minister’s authority to secure loans without legislative involvement.
She noted that President Bola Tinubu, from whom Wike derives his executive authority, submits requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly.
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According to the senator, the minister’s powers cannot exceed those of the President.
“President Bola Tinubu, from whom Wike derives his powers, submits requests for loans and appointments to the national assembly,” Kingibe said.
She argued that the same constitutional and legislative requirements should guide borrowing decisions connected to the Federal Capital Territory.
Allegation awaits response from Wike
Kingibe’s comments amount to an allegation concerning the process used to secure loans for the FCT. The senator has called for official legislative records to support or disprove her claim.
Wike’s position on the allegation was not included in the report provided.
The controversy comes amid continued scrutiny of borrowing and spending by government institutions, particularly as lawmakers examine the country’s debt obligations and public finances.
