Wike Has Not Borrowed Money Behind National Assembly’s Back’ — Reps Spokesman

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has dismissed claims that Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike obtained loans without the approval or knowledge of the National Assembly.

According to Ireporter Online, Agbese made the clarification while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, following allegations by Senator Ireti Kingibe that the FCT Administration had borrowed funds without obtaining the necessary legislative approval.

Agbese described the allegation as misleading, insisting that there was no evidence that Wike violated any law in securing funds for projects and programmes within the Federal Capital Territory.

The lawmaker explained that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures involving relevant government institutions.

“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 noted that the FCT Administration had continued to operate under legislative scrutiny, particularly through the consideration of its budgets and appearances before relevant committees of the National Assembly.

According to Agbese, an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of unlawful borrowing, stressing that borrowing for infrastructure development is permissible when the required procedures and approvals are followed.

“The critical issue is whether the required approvals and procedures have been followed,” he added.

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.

“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,” Agbese stated.

He challenged lawmakers and other stakeholders raising concerns about the FCT’s borrowing to provide specific details and official documents to support their allegations.

Agbese said that if there were concerns about particular borrowing arrangements, Kingibe or any other interested party should identify the transactions involved and allow the relevant authorities to provide the documents and approvals associated with them.