The House of Representatives has called for sanctions against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and six Area Council Chairmen for alleged insubordination and disregard for the legislative body. During a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Ikonne Ifeanyi, a member of the House Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, criticized the Minister and council chairmen for failing to appear before the House after being summoned.
Ifeanyi expressed frustration over their absence, emphasizing that the House should not be pleading for their attendance. He proposed that no approvals should be granted to both the minister and the area council chairmen until they demonstrate respect for the legislative process. Additionally, he suggested that President Tinubu should consider removing Wike from his ministerial position.
Fredrick Agbedi, the committee chairman, condemned the actions of the minister and the chairmen as a breach of their constitutional duties and a disservice to the citizens. He highlighted the importance of the committee’s oversight function in ensuring accountability and good governance, which is undermined by their refusal to attend.
Agbedi also pointed out the lack of project initiatives in the area councils, despite substantial monthly allocations. He warned that the committee would use its powers to ensure that the councils operate in the public’s best interest.
Rep. Adesola Adebayo (APC-Lagos) stressed that the House of Representatives holds the authority to oversee council activities and criticized the council chairmen for their disrespect. He called for maximum pressure to ensure their accountability to the legislature.
The committee expressed outrage at the council chairmen’s refusal to appear, noting that their actions were a deliberate show of disrespect towards the House. However, Nurudeen Abbas (PDP-Oyo) suggested giving the minister and chairmen one last chance to comply, while federal lawmaker Sada Soli (APC-Katsina) recommended a closed session to discuss further actions.