The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has strongly refuted allegations made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing her of supplying food to protesters in Abuja. This accusation came after recent protests erupted in the FCT and other parts of Nigeria.
During a press conference, Wike claimed, “That is sponsorship. A senator providing food for protesters. At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day.”
Although Wike did not directly name anyone, a video circulated which seemed to connect former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the provision of food to protesters. This video, however, showed Obi addressing protesters, not distributing food.
Both Obi and Kingibe clarified that the video was recorded weeks ago during a Labour Party National Working Committee (NWC) meeting. The purpose of their presence was to mediate a leadership crisis within the party, not to support the protests.
According to the video shared on TikTok, there was no evidence of food distribution to protesters. The footage only showed Obi engaging with protesters, emphasizing unity and the importance of working for the country. Senator Kingibe was also seen alongside other Labour Party members.
On Friday, Obi firmly denied any involvement in the recent protests, stating that he was not in Abuja and condemning any attempts to tarnish his reputation. He asserted, “We want the country (Nigeria) to work.”
Senator Kingibe expressed her outrage over the accusations, labeling them as “blatant lies and misinformation” spread by “mischief-makers.” She clarified that the video in question was old, recorded during a Labour Party meeting when the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) was protesting outside their office.
She stated, “I am shocked and outraged by the blatant lies and misinformation being spread by mischief-makers! The video being circulated is from over six weeks ago, during a Labour Party NWC meeting, when the NLC was protesting outside the Labour Party office.”
Kingibe condemned the actions of those spreading false information, calling it a “malicious and desperate attempt to discredit us.” She stressed that she had not left her house due to illness and had no involvement in distributing food or water at the protest grounds.
“It is a shameless and irresponsible act that will not be tolerated. We will not stand idly by while our names and reputations are dragged through the mud by these unscrupulous individuals,” she added.
