Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has publicly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Nyesom Wike as a minister, labeling it as his most significant political error. In a candid interview with Arise TV on Monday, Kingibe criticized Wike’s leadership style, describing it as autocratic and accusing him of a blatant disregard for constitutional principles.
Kingibe stated, “The primary issue is that the minister does not adhere to the rule of law. He operates in an autocratic manner, ignoring established rules and laws. When you attempt to remind him that governance is grounded in legal frameworks, he dismisses it.”
The senator further alleged that Wike has been reinstating defunct agencies without the necessary legal authority, highlighting his apparent disregard for due process. “Minister Nyesom Wike has revived agencies without the enabling laws. If he desires these agencies to function, he should petition the National Assembly to create the required legislation. However, he chooses not to, as he believes he can act unilaterally,” she asserted.
In a striking claim, Kingibe accused Wike of unlawfully revoking 7,000 hectares of land from the University of Abuja, which had originally been allocated 11,000 hectares. She emphasized that this action violates the Land Use Act, stating, “It is unequivocally against the law to seize land from institutions to allocate it to individuals.”
The senator expressed concern over the repercussions of Wike’s actions, which she claims have led to job losses and growing dissatisfaction among FCT residents. “Every minister has found the streets being cleaned by indigent women. When some ministers proposed mechanical street sweepers, we opposed it, as this work provides a livelihood for underprivileged women and widows. Wike has dismissed them all without replacing them, leaving Abuja looking unkempt,” she lamented.
Kingibe concluded by asserting that President Tinubu’s decision to grant Wike substantial political power has adversely affected his administration. “In my view, this is quite unfortunate. If I were to compile a list of President Tinubu’s missteps, the most significant would undoubtedly be his association with Minister Wike,” she stated.
The senator’s remarks have ignited discussions about governance and accountability in the FCT, as citizens call for a reevaluation of leadership practices.
