Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has attacked Senator Ireti Kingibe over her criticism of the FCT Administration’s handling of flooding and urban development in Abuja.
Wike accused the senator representing the FCT in the National Assembly of failing to use her legislative position to address problems confronting residents, saying she should focus on proposing laws and engaging government institutions rather than seeking solutions through media appearances.
The minister spoke on Tuesday, while inspecting flood-affected areas in Maitama District, where he ordered the demolition of structures obstructing designated waterways.
Kingibe had called for greater cooperation between her office and the FCT Administration in addressing flooding and regulating development in the nation’s capital.
But Wike rejected the call, insisting that he was not appointed to work with one individual but with all stakeholders in the FCT.
“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 say every time, working with her, working with her, working with her?” Wike said.
“I was not appointed to work with only one particular person. I work with everybody.”
The minister challenged Sen. Kingibe to show what she has done in the National Assembly through legislation and debates to address the challenges confronting residents of Abuja.
“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.
Wike said elected legislators should demonstrate their impact through debates, legislative proposals 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,” he added.
The minister also linked Kingibe’s criticism to the approaching election, alleging that the senator had lost significant political support and was attempting to regain the confidence of voters.
“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,” Wike said.
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He further declared that criticism would not stop the FCT Administration from enforcing planning regulations, including the demolition of structures obstructing waterways.
“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 dismissed allegations that the FCT Administration had allocated designated waterways to politicians for the construction of estates.
Wike challenged anyone making such allegations to identify a specific water channel allegedly allocated to a named politician and provide evidence of the approval.
