Senator Ireti Kingibe Pushes for More Senators from the FCT
Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Ireti Kingibe, the representative for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed her commitment on Wednesday to advocate for additional senatorial slots for the nation’s capital. During a town hall meeting in Abuja, held in partnership with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Senator Kingibe addressed the issues female legislators face in a predominantly male National Assembly, revealing her concerns about discrepancies in project allocations and palliative distribution among constituencies.
Reflecting on her experiences as she approaches the second year of her term, Kingibe noted, “I now have a deeper understanding of governmental operations and have become more adept at securing resources within the National Assembly. This knowledge enables me to better engage with my constituents.” She acknowledged the goodwill with which she entered her position but raised a critical issue regarding the inequity in resource distribution.
“I received two trailers of fertilizer, similar to my fellow senators, but I cannot help but notice the disparity. Other states with two or three senators received two trailers each, resulting in some states receiving as many as six trailers, while the FCT, represented by only one senator, has been allocated just two trailers,” she explained. Kingibe is hopeful that this imbalance will be rectified, indicating that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is open to supporting the capital and voicing her expectation for positive changes soon.
During her address, Kingibe also noted the lack of lobbying efforts from constituents for essential projects that would enhance their community. She emphasized her dedication to serving the public and acknowledged the challenges she faces, stating, “It has been incredibly difficult; I’ve been a senator for just over a year and a half, and the unique nature of the FCT complicates matters. Unlike other states with their own governors, the FCT is directly overseen by the president as the de facto governor.”
As the official representative, Kingibe positions herself as the bridge between residents and the federal administration. She admitted that she has not been able to meet with every constituent, yet remains committed to lobbying for their needs through interaction with ministers and other stakeholders. “Lobbying is a demanding process that requires considerable time and effort. However, I am grateful for the progress I have made, and I anticipate achieving even more by 2025,” she concluded.
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