Senator Ireti Kingibe, the representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Nigerian Senate, has launched a scathing critique of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of governing with an “emperor mentality” that sidelines local input.
The remarks were made during an extensive interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Monday, July 7, 2025, where Kingibe detailed her concerns about Wike’s administrative approach since his appointment in August 2023. She argued that his unilateral decision-making process, particularly in infrastructure projects and security initiatives, reflects a lack of consultation with FCT residents and elected representatives, including herself.
Kingibe specifically pointed to the ongoing issue of inadequate street lighting in areas like Wuse and Garki, where residents have reported increased safety concerns after dark, as evidence of Wike’s disconnect. She recounted receiving numerous complaints from constituents about unaddressed road repairs and the slow pace of promised housing projects, suggesting that Wike’s focus on high-profile developments, such as the ongoing FCT Secretariat expansion, overshadows these grassroots needs.
The senator, who has independently funded small-scale solar lighting installations in her ward, contrasted her community-driven efforts with Wike’s top-down style, hinting at a broader political strategy to challenge his influence ahead of the FCT Area Council elections later this year. Wike’s media office has not yet issued a formal response, but sources close to the minister indicate he may address the allegations in a press conference scheduled for later this week, potentially escalating the public feud between the two prominent figures in the territory’s governance.