By Olawumi Oyehan
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, told the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, that he was not appointed to work with only one person in National Assembly.
Addressing newsmen on the issues surrounding governance and recent flooding challenges in Abuja, the FCT Minister accused Kingibe of poor legislative performance, media posturing, and abandoning her constituents.
Wike dismissed claims of non-cooperation allegedly raised by the lawmaker, stating that he was appointed to serve all residents of the FCT, and not to cater to a single political actor.
”That is the problem. She acts as if she is the sole lawmaker, and as if the National Assembly is her private legislature. People ask me, ‘Why aren’t you working with her all the time?’ But I was not appointed to work with just one individual; I work with everyone,” Wike said.
The Minister attributed Kingibe’s frequent public criticisms to political desperation over the upcoming elections, urging her to face her constituents, instead of seeking media attention.
”Don’t blame her for her comments. She is simply desperate because she has virtually lost the upcoming election. Instead of seeking media attention, she should go directly to the people and account for her stewardship. She should tell them what she has accomplished in the National Assembly and highlight the bills she has sponsored for the benefit of Abuja residents,” he asserted.
Wike further faulted the lawmaker’s approach to governance, arguing that true representation requires active legislative engagement on the floor of the Senate rather than public relations exercises during emergencies.
”As a legislator representing the people, you must advocate for their interests on the floor of the House and sponsor bills that directly improve their survival and welfare. You do not wait for a crisis to occur only to run to television stations, dressed in unfamiliar traditional attire just to curry public favour. I will not work with her because when a foundation is faulty, it is difficult to turn things around,” he noted.
He emphasised that effective lawmaking relies on parliamentary action and direct community consultation rather than administrative posturing.
”If a lawmaker truly identifies the problems affecting their constituents, the proper approach is to table those issues before Parliament, engage in continuous dialogue with the electorate, and return to legislative business. Running around claiming, ‘I want to see the Minister’ or ‘I want to see the Governor’ is meaningless,” the Minister added.
Wike opined that residents of the FCT are fully aware of her performance record and that televised interviews would not alter public perception regarding her handling of key capital issues, including flood management.
”The reality is that she has done nothing, and the people are fully aware of it. No amount of criticism or media appearances on Channels TV or Arise TV will change the minds of the electorate, especially regarding the handling of the recent flooding. The people have already made up their minds,” Wike declared.