Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has defended Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), against allegations that he secured loans for the territory without obtaining approval from the National Assembly.
Gatekeepers News reports that Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said Wike followed due process in securing funds to finance projects and programmes in the nation’s capital.
In August, Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the FCT, accused the minister of borrowing without parliamentary approval.
Kingibe said she had raised concerns with the Senate leadership over the FCT administration’s borrowings.
“I have never seen Wike come to the national assembly and before the senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.
However, speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Agbese described Wike as one of the most legislatively compliant public servants in the country.
The lawmaker said it was misleading to claim that the FCT minister had circumvented the National Assembly or acted outside the law in securing funds for projects in the territory.
According to Agbese, Wike has consistently subjected the activities of the FCT administration to legislative oversight, including the presentation and consideration of budgets and appearances before relevant National Assembly committees.
He said the minister’s record of engagement with lawmakers contradicted suggestions that he had deliberately operated outside legislative scrutiny.
“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,” Agbese said.
The lawmaker also said an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not, on its own, be interpreted as evidence that the minister violated the law.
He argued that the rise in the territory’s debt should be considered against the backdrop of the numerous infrastructure projects currently being executed across the capital.
Agbese maintained that financing infrastructure through lawful borrowing was not an offence, stressing that the key issue was whether the necessary approvals and procedures had been followed.
“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 said.
The deputy House spokesperson said the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities should be exercised based on facts, documents and established procedures rather than political allegations.
