Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed a willingness to work with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, provided he apologizes for recent comments made about her as a lawmaker.
The dispute began when Minister Wike criticized Senator Kingibe for questioning his handling of issues such as the poor state of schools and hospitals in the FCT. Wike also threatened to unseat Kingibe in 2027, questioning her legislative contributions and suggesting she could “hang on a transformer” if she was displeased with the progress made by him and the Minister of State.
In response, Senator Kingibe stated in an interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm that she is open to collaboration with Wike if he offers a formal apology for his remarks.
“I’m actually willing to do everything to work with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as long as he apologizes first for saying I should go and hang on a transformer,” Kingibe said. “Once he does that, it is all over. We can start afresh but until then, everybody stays in your lane.”
Kingibe further emphasized that, due to her seniority, she expects to be treated with respect. She also questioned the notion of governance as a form of personal friendship, highlighting a need for professionalism in political discourse.
“I am so much older than him. Even courtesy demands he should not speak to me like that. He doesn’t understand the concept of the FCT. It is nothing personal. He says ‘I don’t want to be her friend.’ How does governance translate into friendship?” Kingibe added.