Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the borrowing undertaken to finance projects and programmes in the nation’s capital, insisting that the minister committed no infraction.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said Wike did not bypass the National Assembly in securing funds for development projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, the minister followed the required constitutional and legislative process in accessing funds for the execution of projects under his administration.
Agbese’s position comes against the backdrop of criticism from Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, over the FCT administration’s borrowing activities.
Kingibe had alleged in August that Wike was borrowing funds without obtaining the approval of the National Assembly.
But Agbese dismissed the allegation, maintaining that there was no violation of due process in the minister’s borrowing arrangements.
The controversy has sparked renewed debate over the extent of the FCT administration’s borrowing powers and the role of the National Assembly in approving funds for major projects in the capital.
