Kingibe Criticises Wike Over FCT Curfew, Calls for Respect for Constitutional Process

Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the recent imposition of a curfew in Abuja, describing the move as excessive and lacking proper consultation.

In a press statement, the senator, who represents the FCT, said the decision to restrict movement across the territory was taken without adequate engagement with key stakeholders and residents. According to her, while maintaining law and order is important, any action that limits the movement and livelihoods of citizens must follow due process and respect constitutional rights.

The people of the FCT are not subjects under a dictatorship; they are citizens of a democratic republic, she said, stressing that decisions of such magnitude should not be made without transparency and public input.

Kingibe argued that restrictions like curfews must be backed by clear justification and subjected to public scrutiny. She also raised concerns about the economic impact, noting that blanket measures could disrupt small businesses and daily wage earners who depend on free movement for their survival.

The development points to growing tension between the FCT’s elected representative in the Senate and the territory’s appointed minister, with the senator signalling her intention to serve as a check on executive actions she considers inconsistent with democratic principles.

As of the time of filing this report, the minister’s office had not issued an official response. Meanwhile, residents await further clarification as discussions continue over the curfew and its implications.