Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has stated that former Minister of the FCT, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, outperformed the current minister, Nyesom Wike, in terms of responsiveness and impact on the everyday lives of Abuja residents.
Speaking on Political Paradigm, a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday, Kingibe argued that governance should go beyond grand infrastructure projects.
According to her, the average resident of Abuja feels disconnected from the current development efforts led by Wike.
“If you ask any FCT person who has been the minister that performed the most, they will tell you El-Rufai,” Kingibe said.
“Why? Because he built roads and responded to the needs of the people. Being a successful minister is not just about infrastructure.”
The senator criticized Wike’s approach, alleging that many of his high-profile projects do not address immediate concerns such as food security, local access to amenities, or the general welfare of residents.
She cited specific instances, including the relocation of the city’s abattoir, which she claims was carried out without providing the necessary infrastructure such as water, security, or roads.
“There must be consultation. A minister should know what the people are facing before making decisions that affect their lives,” she added.
In response, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, issued a sharp rebuttal.
In a statement released Tuesday, Olayinka accused Senator Kingibe of engaging in political theatrics and attempting to distract from her own shortcomings.
He alleged that many of the senator’s legislative aides had quit due to unpaid salaries and poor welfare, adding that “someone who cannot manage her own staff should not lecture others on performance.”
