Wike Not Willing To Work With Anybody, Kingibe Claims
Naija News • Feb 20
**Nyesom Wike's Autocratic Style: Senator Kingibe Speaks Out**
In a recent interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, fired a shot at the administration of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of autocratic tendencies. The lawmaker's remarks have sparked a heated debate around the style of governance in the nation's capital.
According to Senator Kingibe, Minister Wike's refusal to collaborate with other stakeholders in the FCT, including the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Mandate Secretary, has hindered effective governance. The senator expressed frustration at the minister's failure to respond positively to her attempts to work together to deliver the dividends of democracy to FCT residents.
The lawmaker's criticism comes on the heels of Minister Wike's declaration of a 22-hour curfew on the FCT ahead of the bye-election scheduled for February 21. Senator Kingibe questioned the necessity of such a draconian measure, especially given the lack of security concerns in the nation's capital.
"This is unprecedented," she said. "I've lived in Abuja for a long time, and I've never seen a minister impose a 22-hour curfew on the city. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully prepared, and the security forces are in place. What's the need for this?"
The senator's remarks have raised eyebrows, especially in the context of Nigeria's nascent democracy. The FCT, being a cosmopolitan city with numerous international institutions, including embassies, high commissions, and the ECOWAS Secretariat, is expected to maintain a high level of security and stability.
The implications of Minister Wike's actions are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the credibility of the electoral process and the democratic values of the nation. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the FCT is expected to be a beacon of stability and good governance. However, Minister Wike's actions have raised concerns about the direction of governance in the nation's capital.
In conclusion, Senator Kingibe's comments have added a new dimension to the ongoing debate about the style of governance in the FCT. As Nigerians look forward to the bye-election and other electoral processes, the need for effective collaboration and good governance has never been more pressing.