Anebi
A video shared by Viable TV has captured a dramatic moment during the defense of the ₦1.78 trillion Federal Capital Territory (FCT) budget, as Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, made her voice heard in a tense session with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The meeting, part of the 2025 budget defense process at the National Assembly, began with the usual formalities until Senator Kingibe interrupted the proceedings to assert her position as the representative of the FCT people. In a passionate exchange, Kingibe insisted on being recognized before making her remarks.
“Second chairman, I am here. I am here. Thank you,” she said, cutting through the noise. “Yes, commendation. Okay. All your commendations. Don’t give me a waiver.”
She went on to acknowledge the work of Minister Wike, saying, “I, as a senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, I want to also commend the minister,” prompting applause in the room. However, she quickly shifted to a more serious tone.
“No, but no, no, no, no. Let me speak,” Kingibe insisted. “It’s a well-presented budget. Now, the budget is high, but I would… and I asked my colleagues to pass the budget.” Despite her support, she raised critical concerns about issues that she believes must be addressed with the minister directly.
Specifically, she pointed to the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the FCT, calling for a more detailed and inclusive dialogue: “There are so many details that the people of the FCT — or the representatives of the FCT — should discuss with the minister.”
Despite her reservations, Kingibe ultimately endorsed the budget in its entirety, stating, “But I asked my colleagues that they should pass the budget as is. Everything.”
The video, now trending on social media, has sparked conversations about transparency, inclusivity, and representation in the budgeting process, especially concerning marginalized communities like IDPs within the capital.
The ₦1.78 trillion FCT budget, the highest in the territory’s history, is aimed at massive infrastructure and development projects, but Senator Kingibe’s intervention highlights the growing demand for accountability and local input in how the funds will be spent.
