The House of Representatives has issued a call for disciplinary measures against Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and six Area Council Chairmen for alleged insubordination and disregard for legislative authority.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ikonne Ifeanyi, a member of the House Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, expressed this demand during a committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. Ifeanyi criticized the Minister and the council chairmen for failing to appear before the House despite being summoned.
“It is unacceptable that we extend an invitation and they dictate the terms of their appearance. The risks taken by our members to be present must be respected. We should not find ourselves pleading for their compliance,” stated Ifeanyi. “My stance is clear: they should be seeking us out. If we do not address this arrogance, it will persist.”
Ifeanyi proposed a motion to bring this issue to the House floor, suggesting that no further approvals should be granted to the Minister and the Area Council Chairmen until they comply with the summons. He also called for the president to consider removing Wike from his position as FCT Minister.
Committee Chairman Fredrick Agbedi condemned the actions of the Minister and the council chairmen as a breach of their constitutional responsibilities, emphasizing that their refusal to honor the committee’s invitation undermines accountability and good governance. Agbedi highlighted the lack of progress on projects within the area councils, despite significant monthly allocations.
“The oversight function of this committee is crucial for ensuring accountability and good governance. Their refusal to comply is a disservice to the people they serve,” Agbedi remarked. “The six area council chairmen have failed to initiate or complete any significant projects, which is unacceptable given the substantial funds allocated to them.”
Rep. Adesola Adebayo (APC-Lagos), a committee member, reiterated the authority of the House in overseeing the activities of the council areas. Drawing on his experience as a former council chairman, Adebayo stressed that the chairmen should understand their obligation to appear before the House.
“The refusal to appear before the House is a deliberate act of disrespect. We should exert maximum pressure to ensure accountability,” Adebayo asserted. “They were duly invited but responded with a refusal within an hour. This is a blatant disregard for the House of Representatives.”
The committee expressed strong disapproval of the perceived arrogance displayed by the FCT Minister and the council chairmen, vowing not to tolerate such behavior. Nurudeen Abbas (PDP-Oyo) suggested giving the officials one final opportunity to comply before imposing sanctions.
“If they fail to appear after a final communication, then we should proceed with sanctions,” Abbas advised.
Federal lawmaker Sada Soli (APC-Katsina) proposed that the committee convene a closed session to discuss further actions.
This escalating tension underscores the importance of legislative oversight and the imperative for government officials to respect the authority of the House of Representatives.
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