Friendship is not by force – Wike slams Ireti Kingibe

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has firmly stated that he cannot be coerced into forming a friendship with Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT. Wike criticized the senator, accusing her of resorting to blackmail instead of addressing her concerns through appropriate channels or focusing on her oversight responsibilities.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the former Rivers Governor expressed his views, highlighting Senator Kingibe’s grievances stemming from being overlooked for the position of Chairperson of the Senate Committee on FCT. Wike emphasized that her desire to befriend him seemed tied to her disappointment over not securing the committee chairmanship.

“I don’t want to make this personal…she’s the Senator for FCT. She went around saying, ‘Oh, Wike is busy repairing roads…should I wait until potholes appear?'” Wike remarked.

Referring to Senator Kingibe’s attempts to establish a rapport, Wike questioned the necessity of forcing a friendship and criticized her motives. He attributed her dissatisfaction to not being appointed as committee chair by the Senate President, stressing that he cannot be subjected to her supervision.

“What’s her interest in insisting that I must acknowledge her? If I encounter any issues, I’ll approach her. However, I don’t have any problems. Nobody can intimidate me,” Wike asserted, highlighting his past experiences as a Minister and Governor.

Wike dismissed Senator Kingibe’s approach as an attempt to tarnish his reputation through media appearances, emphasizing the importance of focusing on substantive matters rather than resorting to blackmail. He also addressed the senator’s rivalry with his friend, Philip Aduda, stating that he wouldn’t forsake his friendship with Aduda simply because Kingibe lost an election to him.

In essence, Wike’s remarks underscore his firm stance against being pressured into forming a friendship with Senator Kingibe and his insistence on addressing matters of substance through appropriate channels.