By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised Senator Ireti Kingibe over her calls for greater cooperation with the FCT Administration, accusing the senator of failing to use her position in the National Assembly to address challenges affecting residents of Abuja.Senator Ireti Kingibe
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday after inspecting areas affected by flooding in Maitama, where he also ordered the immediate demolition of structures found to be obstructing designated water channels.
The Minister said he was not appointed to work with any particular individual, insisting that his responsibility was to collaborate with all stakeholders in the interest of the Federal Capital Territory.
His comments followed Kingibe’s call for closer cooperation between her office and the FCT Administration on issues including flooding and development control.
“If she knows that there’s a problem, she’s the one who makes the law. National Assembly is our own House of Assembly. Why should she every time, working with her, working with her, working with her?” Wike asked.
“I was not appointed to work with only one particular person. I work with everybody,” he added.
The FCT Minister further accused the senator of relying too heavily on media appearances instead of using her legislative position to push for policies and legislation capable of addressing the problems facing residents.
Wike challenged Kingibe to publicly identify bills or legislative initiatives she had sponsored in the National Assembly to address flooding and other challenges in the FCT.
“Go and talk to the people! Tell them what you are doing in the National Assembly! Tell them the bill you have proposed for the benefit of the residents of Abuja,” he said.
He argued that elected lawmakers should demonstrate their impact through debates, legislation and direct engagement with their constituents.
“As a legislator, for example, I represent the people. They must see you talk on the floor as per their own interest. They must see you propose a bill that will enable them to survive,” Wike stated.
The Minister also linked Kingibe’s criticism to the approaching election, suggesting that her political standing had weakened and that she was attempting to rebuild support among residents.
“I don’t blame her now, because she has almost lost the election. All she’s doing next is to see whether she can get the people,” he said.
Wike maintained that criticism from political opponents would not discourage the FCT Administration from enforcing development regulations, particularly in areas contributing to flooding.
“You have done nothing, and the people know you have done nothing. Even if you like, criticise. As far as this flooding is concerned, the people have made up their mind that you failed,” he said.
The minister also rejected allegations that the FCT Administration had allocated designated waterways to politicians for the construction of estates.
He challenged anyone making such claims to produce evidence showing that a particular water channel had been allocated to a named politician.