Interview with Senator Ireti Kingibe on ARISE TV
Reuben Abati (ARISE TV): Senator Kingibe, since you won your election as the senator for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), one persistent complaint has been that you are not allowed to effectively represent your people. Senator Godswill Akpabio recently reminded you about the correct process for raising objections to the budget. Why do you feel sidelined?
Senator Ireti Kingibe: Reuben, the truth is, I did follow the process. However, since we are currently in discussions to sort this out, I’d prefer we shift focus to how my constituency is generally marginalized.
The FCT has a unique governance structure where the president acts as the de facto governor, administering the territory through a minister, one elected senator, and two House of Reps members. All members of the National Assembly serve as the equivalent of a state assembly for the FCT, ensuring the rights of its people are maintained. As the highest elected official in the FCT, people bring their complaints to me, expecting solutions through the appropriate authorities.
ARISE TV: You mentioned a recent fire in Abuja and the expectations placed on you. How has this arrangement worked in the past?
Senator Kingibe: In the past, this arrangement worked seamlessly. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been the same with the current Minister of the FCT. He has stated that I merely “claim” to be the senator and that he is not obliged to work with me, which contradicts sections 122 and 124 of the Evidence Act and section 24 of the Constitution, which mandates respect for all legitimate authorities.
ARISE TV: The minister you refer to is Nyesom Wike. He claims you want him to be your friend, which he does not desire. How do you respond to this?
Senator Kingibe: Friendship is irrelevant here. I have never even met him outside of Senate committee meetings. The real issue is his refusal to communicate with me, the elected senator, which impedes addressing the people’s needs.
ARISE TV: Minister Wike insists he is focusing on his work and accuses you of blackmail. How do you respond?
Senator Kingibe: FCT’s ministerial role is akin to a governor’s, responsible for infrastructure and the well-being of the people. While I commend Wike for finishing some road projects started by his predecessor, the majority of these projects don’t address the daily needs of the people, such as water and access roads. The recent fire in Karu, for example, could have been mitigated with better infrastructure.
ARISE TV: You’ve also expressed exclusion from key Senate decisions affecting the FCT. Is this because of your party affiliation or gender?
Senator Kingibe: It’s neither about gender nor my party. The real issue lies in the personal relationship between the Senate President and the FCT Minister, leading to potential conflicts of interest. Typically, senators are involved in decisions affecting their constituencies, but that hasn’t been the case for me.
ARISE TV: Do you think the Tinubu Administration is performing well, especially as we mark one year of his presidency?
Senator Kingibe: Unfortunately, no. Despite President Tinubu’s good intentions, the current administration isn’t addressing the people’s suffering adequately. A credible plan is needed to tackle the pressing issues, but I don’t see it being implemented effectively.
ARISE TV: How do you view the role of women in Nigerian politics, given the low representation in the National Assembly?
Senator Kingibe: Nigeria needs legislation to ensure women’s inclusion in governance. Affirmative action can compel parties and agencies to look for competent women, fostering economic development. Furthermore, initiatives to mobilize women voters as a significant lobby block are essential to amplify our political influence.
ARISE TV: But some say women don’t support other women in elections. What is your perspective on this?
Senator Kingibe:Well, that has not been by experience
