Ireti Kingibe Criticizes Wike’s Leadership of Abuja, Calls for Accountability

Senator Ireti Kingibe has publicly condemned the leadership of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, describing his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as a significant error. In an interview on ARISE NEWS, Kingibe accused Wike of ruling Abuja with a blatant disregard for the law and engaging in autocratic practices.

Kingibe expressed her frustrations regarding Wike’s alleged failure to adhere to constitutional procedures. “The primary thing is that the minister doesn’t obey the rule of law. He’s autocratic. He doesn’t follow any rules or any laws,” she stated. Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among some lawmakers regarding Wike’s governance style.

One of the senator’s main concerns is Wike’s reintroduction of various agencies without the necessary enabling laws. “If he wants these things, he should ask the National Assembly to create the enabling laws. But he doesn’t, because he’s just autocratic,” Kingibe asserted.

She highlighted specific instances of what she described as Wike’s overreach, including the revocation of land previously allocated to the University of Abuja. “Minister Wike has revoked 7,000 hectares of land from the university, leaving them with only 4,000. This action is against the Land Use Act,” she said, emphasizing the legal implications of such decisions.

Furthermore, Kingibe criticized Wike for his treatment of local contractors, claiming that hundreds, possibly thousands, of local businesses have gone unpaid for their services. “These Abuja Small Indigenous Contractors, numbering around four to five hundred, have not received payments. He says he’s not paying them,” she remarked, underscoring the impact on the local economy.

In response to reports of Wike’s popularity in recent polls, Kingibe expressed skepticism. “If truly, Minister Wike is as popular as… when it comes to any kind of election, can he tell the people, go and do this and they do it?” she questioned, suggesting that Wike’s influence may not translate into genuine public support.

Kingibe did not shy away from criticizing President Tinubu for granting Wike significant political prominence, especially as a member of the opposition. She stated, “It’s my personal opinion that that is rather unfortunate. The greatest wrong he’s done to himself has been on Minister Wike.”

The senator also raised concerns about land use in Abuja, accusing Wike of repurposing land intended for community services, such as a general hospital, for commercial developments. “In Bwari, there’s land allocated for a general hospital. Minister Wike revokes it and is having some sort of a market or mall put on it,” she claimed.

As Kingibe prepares to take action regarding documents she believes prove Wike’s misuse of authority, she affirmed her intention to approach the relevant legislative body. “I’m going to take those documents and insist that that assembly goes back to the National Assembly for approval for everything,” she stated.

Addressing safety concerns, Kingibe described a recent incident where she felt followed during an official trip. “I’m a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I have rights… I’m not afraid. It’s God who protects,” she asserted, emphasizing her commitment to her role despite potential threats.

Kingibe, who has recently exited the Labour Party, confirmed her alignment with the ADC. “Right now, we have all the aspirants who have taken cards in APC, they’ve taken tickets in ADC. We’re preparing for a major battle with APC come March 2026,” she stated, suggesting a strategic shift in her political career.

As tensions continue to rise over governance issues in Abuja, Kingibe’s remarks highlight a significant challenge for Wike’s administration. The implications of her criticisms could resonate beyond the political arena as citizens seek accountability in their leadership.