Wike taking loans without NASS approval — Sen. Kingibe alleges

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ireti Kingibe, has accused the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, of obtaining loans for the nation’s capital without the approval of the National Assembly.

Mrs Kingibe made the allegation while appearing on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, where she said she had raised concerns with the leadership of the Senate over the minister’s borrowings and other alleged infractions.

“I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly and before the Senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.

The senator explained that FCT budgets are normally presented to the Senate through the relevant committee for consideration before they are approved by the upper legislative chamber.

She, however, alleged that Wike had not sought legislative approval for loans obtained for the FCT.

“I am definitely saying he has been taking loans without the approval of the National Assembly. I don’t know about the House, but certainly not the Senate,” Kingibe said.

According to her, she became aware of the alleged borrowings after reviewing information from the Debt Management Office, DMO, covering loans obtained between August 2023 and March 2026.

Mrs Kingibe challenged anyone disputing her allegation to produce evidence showing that Wike appeared before the National Assembly to seek approval for the loans.

“If anybody contradicts me, they should bring the votes and proceedings of the day that Wike came to the National Assembly to ask for approval for anything,” she said.

The senator also argued that Wike’s authority as FCT minister could not supersede that of President Bola Tinubu, whom she said derives his powers from the President.

She noted that the President submits requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly for consideration, arguing that the minister’s powers could not exceed those of the Commander-in-Chief.

The allegation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the FCT administration’s financing of major infrastructure projects and its budgetary activities.