PeakNews Online
Abuja, Nigeria – August 2, 2024: Senator Ireti Kingibe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs and representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Labour Party (LP), has rebutted allegations made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), claiming she sponsored the ongoing protests in Abuja.
Allegations and Response
Minister Wike alleged on Thursday that security agencies had identified a senator as one of the sponsors of the anti-government protests. He claimed that the unnamed senator was providing the protesters with incentives such as food and water.
Senator Kingibe responded to these allegations in a statement released by her Special Assistant on Media, Kennedy Mbele. She clarified that the video being used to support the claims was from over six weeks ago during the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) protests at the National headquarters of the Labour Party in Abuja.
Statement from Senator Kingibe
“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. As stakeholders, including Senators, House of Reps members, and Mr. Peter Obi, we went out to engage with the protesters and address their concerns,” Kingibe stated.
She further emphasized that the current protests have no connection to the old footage, and neither she nor Mr. Peter Obi were involved in the recent events. “Mr. Peter Obi is not in Abuja, and I haven’t left my house since Wednesday due to illness, much less distributed food and water at the protest grounds, though that would be noble for whoever did.”
Condemnation of Falsehoods
Senator Kingibe condemned the attempt to spread falsehoods and discredit her and Mr. Obi. “This is a malicious and desperate attempt to discredit us. 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 urged the public to ignore the misleading video and reiterated her stance on the #EndBadGovernance protests in a recent interview with Channels Television.
Clarification on Mr. Peter Obi’s Location
The statement also recalled that Mr. Peter Obi had explained he was in Anambra State on the day of the alleged involvement in Abuja protests, making it impossible for him to be present in both locations simultaneously.
