Nigeria Kingibe: El-Rufai Outperformed Wike as FCT Minister, Projects Not Reaching Masses

The Digest:

Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT) has asserted that former FCT Minister Nasir El-Rufai delivered better performance than current Minister Nyesom Wike, despite Wike's notable infrastructure drive. Speaking on Channels Television, Kingibe argued that Wike's projects do not directly benefit common Abuja residents, whom she claims are out of touch with his approach.

Key Points:

• Senator Ireti Kingibe ranked El-Rufai's FCT performance above Wike's.
• She stated Wike's infrastructure projects don't benefit common Abuja residents.
• Kingibe believes a successful FCT Minister must also address people's needs.
• She highlighted El-Rufai's responsiveness beyond just building roads.
• Wike's aide, Lere Olayinka, dismissed Kingibe's criticism as political.
• Olayinka urged Kingibe to focus on her legislative aides' welfare.
• The debate highlights differing views on FCT development priorities.

Kingibe emphasized that effective ministerial leadership extends beyond infrastructure to include responsiveness to citizens' needs, a quality she believes El-Rufai embodied more effectively. She criticized the current administration for not putting "food on the table" for FCT residents. In response, Lere Olayinka, Wike's Senior Special Assistant, fired back, accusing Kingibe of political "shenanigans" and advising her to address the alleged non-payment of her legislative aides' salaries. This public spat underscores the ongoing scrutiny of governance in Nigeria's capital.

Sources: Channels Television, Vanguard News, TheCable, Daily Post Nigeria