Wike Absolved: Reps Dismiss Allegations of Unapproved Borrowing

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has strongly refuted allegations that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, secured loans without the necessary approval from the National Assembly. Agbese firmly stated that Minister Wike has committed no infraction in the financing of projects and programmes within the FCT, describing him as one of the most legislatively compliant public servants under the close scrutiny of the National Assembly.

These allegations were initially raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT. Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Senator Kingibe claimed that the FCT Administration, led by Wike, engaged in borrowings without the National Assembly's consent. She asserted that she had never witnessed Wike appearing before the Senate to seek approval for any loan, stating, "I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly and before the Senate to ask for approval of anything." Kingibe further indicated that she uncovered these alleged borrowings while reviewing information from the Debt Management Office, covering the period from August 2023 to March 2026, noting that FCT budgets are typically presented to the Senate via the relevant committee for consideration and approval.

In response to these claims during an interview with journalists in Abuja, Hon. Agbese dismissed the suggestion that the FCT minister had circumvented the National Assembly or acted outside legal boundaries to secure funds for territorial projects as misleading. The lawmaker clarified that the established processes governing public borrowings involve appropriate constitutional and administrative authorities, making it impossible for the FCT minister to unilaterally create a sovereign borrowing obligation outside these stipulated procedures.

Agbese emphasized Wike's consistent dedication to subjecting the FCT Administration’s activities to rigorous legislative scrutiny. This includes the regular presentation and consideration of the territory’s budgets and numerous appearances before various relevant committees of the National Assembly. According to the Labour Party lawmaker, Minister Wike’s extensive record of engagement with the legislature directly contradicts any implication that he has deliberately operated beyond legislative oversight. Agbese reiterated, "Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly."

Addressing concerns about an increase in the FCT’s debt profile, Agbese argued that this should not be automatically interpreted as evidence of the minister violating borrowing laws. He highlighted that the FCT has experienced "unprecedented expansion in infrastructure development" under Wike’s tenure, including massive road constructions, rehabilitation efforts, transportation infrastructure, and other significant development projects. The lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue state further stressed that financing such infrastructure through lawful borrowings is not inherently an offense, provided that all required approvals and procedures have been diligently followed.

The Deputy House spokesperson also criticized what he perceived as an attempt to misrepresent the FCT minister as someone operating without legislative oversight. He affirmed that the National Assembly has maintained robust oversight over the FCT Administration, and Minister Wike has appeared before relevant legislative committees whenever summoned. Agbese asserted, "Under our searchlight, the FCT Minister is one of the most legislatively compliant public servants. He has consistently engaged the National Assembly and subjected the activities of the FCT Administration to legislative scrutiny." He maintained that legislative oversight should be founded on facts, documents, and established procedures, rather than mere political accusations. He advised that if Senator Kingibe believes specific borrowing transactions are unlawful, the correct approach is to identify them and invite relevant authorities to provide governing documentation.

Finally, Agbese cautioned against conflating the FCT minister’s administrative responsibilities with the constitutional roles of the Federal Government and other institutions involved in public finance and debt management. He concluded that Wike’s performance and record in Abuja should be evaluated based on the projects executed, the adherence to established processes, and the measurable impact of the administration’s interventions, rather than on unestablished allegations.