Wike Accused of Borrowing Without Senate Approval

Senator Ireti Kingibe has publicly accused Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, of repeatedly borrowing funds without seeking Senate approval, which raises significant concerns regarding financial oversight in Abuja. Kingibe stated that Wike only appears before the Senate during budget sessions, while other matters concerning the Federal Capital Territory are neglected without proper legislative scrutiny.

She revealed that the Senate had previously instructed Wike to halt demolitions in the FCT until an ad hoc committee could convene and present its findings; however, the committee never met. Kingibe criticized the committee chairman for his favorable view of Wike, suggesting that this bias hindered effective oversight.

She further claimed that the Senate has been complicit in allowing Wike to operate without adequate checks, stating, "Everything that has to do with the FCT is pushed under the carpet under this Senate." Kingibe's remarks underscore a perceived failure of the Senate to hold Wike accountable for his actions regarding property demolitions and funding for capital projects.