SENATOR representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has called for increased representation for the FCT in the National Assembly.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 16, at a town hall meeting organised in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Kingibe noted that there were several challenges with serving her constituency as the sole senator representing the nation’s capital.
The senator, according to a report by Punch, also expressed concerns about disparities in the distribution of resources and projects allocated to constituencies, particularly palliatives and development initiatives.
The lawmaker particularly mentioned the imbalance in the distribution of fertiliser across the states and the FCT.
Kingibe expressed hope that this disparity would be addressed, adding that the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike ‘is very amenable to supporting the FCT.’
She said: “Just like other senators, I received two trailers of fertiliser, which I distributed. I am also lobbying to see how I can get more for the FCT because I feel it is unfair that other states, which have two to three senators, received two trailers each. What this means is that some states each received six trailers of fertiliser, whereas the FCT, which has a single senator, is left with just two trailers.
“I am hoping that this disparity will be addressed somehow. The minister is very amenable to supporting the FCT, and I hope that something will happen soon.”
Kingibe stressed her determination to continue lobbying for more resources for her constituents, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts with key government functionaries.
“Other states have governors, but the president is the de facto president and governor of the FCT. However, because we don’t have direct access to him, a minister was appointed to administer the area on his behalf. I am meant to be the voice of the people, the interface between you and the executive administrator of this place.”
Kingibe also acknowledged the difficulties in reaching out to all constituents across the FCT but assured them that she was actively lobbying for what would benefit them at various levels of government.
She noted that lobbying is a time-consuming process, yet essential to secure the necessary support for her community development.
“I am lobbying ministers and others. Lobbying takes a lot of work and time. But I thank God I have been able to achieve some progress, and come 2025, I expect to do more,” she stated.
The ICIR reports that Kingibe, a member of the Labour Party (LP), defeated Philip Aduda of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election.
However, Kingibe and Wike have not had a cordial working relationship since they assumed their respective offices as the former had repeatedly accused the latter of sidelining her, despite being the senator representing the FCT.
Addressing the FCT residents in Abuja on Monday, June 1, at the flag-off ceremony of the construction of the Mabushi bus terminal, Wike said: “If we have done well, we have done well. If we haven’t done well, we haven’t done well. I am proud to say that in the short time that President Tinubu has appointed us, we have done well.”
In a veiled reference to Kingibe, Wike added: “You said there are no schools and hospitals. You, as a legislator, what have you done? How many bills have you sponsored for us to improve our education and health sectors?”
On various occasions, both politicians have lashed out at each other with Wike maintaining that Kingibe’s anger stemmed from his constant companionship with her predecessor, Aduda, and because she was not appointed as the Senate chairperson of the committee on FCT.
The ICIR reports that in September 2023, Kingibe said Wike lacked the powers to make threats of demolition of “illegal buildings” in the FCT.
Similarly, the lawmaker claimed earlier in January that Wike had failed to respond to her letters and messages amid rising insecurity in Abuja.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M