The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has dismissed allegations that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, secured loans without the approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese described the claim as misleading, insisting that there is no evidence that the FCT Minister violated any law in securing funds for projects and programmes within the nation’s capital.
The lawmaker spoke with journalists in Abuja on Thursday while reacting to allegations previously made by Senator Ireti Kingibe that the FCT Administration had obtained loans without the required legislative approval.
Agbese maintained that borrowing by government institutions is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures, arguing that Wike had not acted outside the established framework.
“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.
He explained that the FCT Administration had continued to operate under legislative scrutiny, particularly through the presentation of its budgets and engagements with relevant committees of the National Assembly.
According to him, a rise in the debt profile of the FCT should not automatically be interpreted as proof that funds were obtained illegally.
Agbese further argued that borrowing to finance infrastructure projects was not prohibited, provided the necessary approvals and procedures were followed.
“The critical issue is whether the required approvals and procedures have been followed,” he said.
The House spokesperson also rejected claims that Wike had operated without legislative oversight, saying the National Assembly had continued to exercise its constitutional responsibilities over the FCT Administration.
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“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 added.
Agbese called for greater reliance on official records when making allegations about public borrowing, rather than political assertions.
He said Senator Kingibe or any other person with concerns about specific FCT borrowing arrangements should identify the transactions involved and request the relevant authorities to provide the documentation showing the approvals and procedures followed.