The Federal Capital Territory Senator, Ireti Kingibe, has fired back at the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, stating that she cannot be intimidated by insults, threats or political pressure.
In a post on her verified X handle on Thursday, Senator Kingibe said her responsibility as a senator representing the people of the FCT is to ask questions, demand accountability and defend the constitutional principles upon which Nigeria’s democracy stands.
Her comment stemmed from Wike’s outburst, in which he described her as illiterate and re-echoed his threat that the lawmaker would not be elected to the Senate in 2027.
The political fight between them followed a remark by the senator, who, in an interview on national television, accused Wike of obtaining a loan for the FCT without the Senate’s approval.
The senator also dared Wike to show the people of the FCT evidence of the National Assembly’s approval for the loan.
“I have never been one to be intimidated by insults, threats or political pressure, and I will not start now. My responsibility as a senator representing the people of the Federal Capital Territory is to ask questions, demand accountability and defend the constitutional principles upon which our democracy stands.
“If I raise questions about public borrowing, public funds or the conduct of government, it is not an act of disrespect; it is part of my duty as a legislator.
“As for not getting approval for the loans, I dare the FCT Minister to show the people of the FCT, and all who have asked, the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given. I cannot speak for the House of Representatives, but I know that it was never brought before the Senate.
“The President, from whom the Minister derives his powers, has always sought approval for all loans from the Senate. No minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny. And no individual has the authority to decide by personal declaration who the people of the FCT will elect in 2027. That decision belongs solely to the people.
“I also want to make this very clear: attempts to intimidate, silence or demean women in government are totally unacceptable. Women who choose to serve in public office must not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles.
“I will not be distracted by personal attacks. I will continue to speak when the interest of the FCT demands it, scrutinise matters that require scrutiny and stand firmly for the people I represent. I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve. The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election,” she wrote.