Senator Kingibe has slammed President Tinubu over Wike’s appointment and called it his “biggest blunder”.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has harshly criticised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Nyesom Wike as Minister of the FCT, calling it one of the president’s gravest errors since assuming office.
Speaking during an appearance on ARISE Television, Kingibe expressed disapproval over Tinubu’s decision to empower a key figure from the opposition party, saying it was a major misstep that has undermined his administration.
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“In my view, among the miscalculations of President Tinubu, the most damaging one has been giving such prominence to Minister Wike,” she said. “It’s unfortunate. If I were to list his wrong decisions, Wike’s appointment would top the list.”
When asked about recent polls suggesting Wike’s rising popularity, Kingibe cast doubt on their credibility. “It depends on who conducted the poll and how it was done,” she said. “Let’s wait for the local government elections. If he truly has influence, let him prove it at the polls. Otherwise, it’s just noise and posturing.”
The Labour Party senator also accused Wike of misusing his authority, alleging that land originally allocated for a hospital in Bwari had been repurposed for commercial use. “That land was meant for a general hospital,” she said. “Now, it’s being turned into a market or mall. Meanwhile, he’s been going after residents and even embassies over ground rent.”
Kingibe further stated that she is preparing to submit documents to the appropriate authorities, which she claims contain evidence of Wike’s administrative misconduct.
“I intend to take those documents to the relevant oversight body — the institutional check on his powers — and demand that all his actions be subjected to National Assembly scrutiny,” she said. “Wike draws his authority from the president, yet he bypasses the legislature on everything except the budget. What about the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)? What has he done with it? There’s been no accountability.”
Kingibe’s comments add to a growing chorus of criticism aimed at Wike’s leadership style and his controversial policies since assuming the FCT portfolio.