Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has told FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that she cannot be intimidated by insults, threats or political pressure, insisting that no minister is above the law.

Kingibe also declared that Wike could not determine whether she would return to the Senate in 2027, saying the decision belonged to the people of the FCT.

She stated this on Thursday in a post on her X platform, in response to the minister’s recent comments on her criticism of the FCT Administration and her political future.

“I have never been one to be intimidated by insults, threats, or political pressure, and I will not start now,” Kingibe said.

She said her responsibility as a senator was to ask questions, demand accountability and defend the constitutional principles upon which democracy was founded.

According to her, raising questions about public borrowing, public funds and the conduct of government should not be construed as an act of disrespect but as part of her legislative responsibility.

On the controversy over loans obtained by the FCT Administration, Kingibe challenged Wike to produce the official record showing that the Senate approved the borrowings.

“As for not getting approval for the loans, I dare the FCT Minister to show the people of the FCT, and all who have asked, the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given.

“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was NEVER brought before the Senate,” she said.

Kingibe further declared that no public official was above scrutiny.

“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.

The senator also rejected any suggestion that Wike could determine her political fate ahead of the 2027 election.

“And no individual has the authority to decide by personal declaration who the people of the FCT will elect in 2027. That decision belongs solely to the people,” she said.

Kingibe also condemned what she described as attempts to intimidate, silence or demean women in public office.

“Women who choose to serve in public office must not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles,” she said.

She vowed to continue scrutinising government activities and speaking on issues affecting residents of the FCT.

“I will not be distracted by personal attacks. I will continue to speak when the interest of the FCT demands it, scrutinise matters that require scrutiny, and stand firmly for the people I represent,” she said.

“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve.

“The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election.” (Vanguard)