By Douglas Princemola
The Minister responsible for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, vehemently expresses his contention with Senator Ireti Kingibe, the legislative representative of the FCT in the Senate, underscoring his disinclination towards fostering a bond of camaraderie with her and affirming his unwavering stance against coercion.
During an engagement with members of the press in Abuja, Wike lambasts Senator Kingibe, admonishing her for resorting to coercion rather than resorting to proper channels of communication or dedicating herself to her legislative oversight duties.
Wike articulates that Senator Kingibe harbors resentment due to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, rejecting her aspiration to chair the Senate Committee on FCT.
The minister articulates, “I refrain from engaging in personal diatribe… She holds the senatorial mandate for FCT. She disseminated assertions such as, ‘Wike is engrossed in road rehabilitation… Should I defer road maintenance until potholes emerge?'”
“When an individual expresses a desire for companionship, and you retort with ‘Friendship is not obligatory; is it compulsory?’ The crux of the matter lies in her aspiration to chair the Senate Committee on FCT, a privilege denied by the Senate President,” Wike elucidates.
“What authority does she possess to oversee my endeavors? Oversight over my affairs eludes her. What is her motive, that I am obligated to her? Should an issue arise, I shall seek her audience. Presently, I harbor no grievances. No one can coerce or intimidate me.”
“I ascended to the governorship of one of Nigeria’s foremost states, and she believes her recourse is to disseminate allegations via media outlets such as Channel, TVC, claiming negligence on my part,” Wike expounds.
“I lack the inclination for such manipulation. Adherence to rectitude is paramount. Her underlying grievance stems from her electoral contest against my acquaintance Philip Aduda. She perceives my affinity towards Philip, amid her senatorial aspirations. Must I forsake my ally due to her electoral setback?”
