The House of Representatives has called for sanctions against Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and six Area Council Chairmen for alleged insubordination and failure to honor invitations from the House.
Rep. Ikonne Ifeanyi, a member of the House Committee on FCT Area Council and Ancillary, expressed displeasure during the committee’s meeting in Abuja on Tuesday over the Minister and chairmen’s refusal to appear before the House as invited.
“It is disrespectful and shows a lack of regard for the House when the Minister and his council chairmen fail to honor our invitations after committing to appear,” Rep. Ifeanyi remarked.
He proposed that the Minister and chairmen should now seek to appear before the House on their own initiative, emphasizing that such arrogance should not be tolerated.
He further stated his intention to motion on the House floor to compel their appearance and demand explanations for their non-compliance with legislative invitations.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi, condemned the actions of the Minister and chairmen, describing it as a breach of their constitutional duties and a disservice to the people they represent.
He highlighted that oversight functions of the committee are crucial for ensuring accountability and good governance, and their refusal to appear undermines these efforts.
Rep. Agbedi also criticized the chairmen of the six area councils for their alleged failure to initiate, complete, or commission any projects despite receiving substantial allocations over the past year.
In a show of solidarity, Rep. Adesola Adebayo, another committee member and former council chairman, stressed that local government chairmen are extensions of state assemblies and should respect legislative invitations. He condemned their absence as disrespectful to the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, Rep. Nurudeen Abbas suggested giving the Minister and chairmen another opportunity to comply before imposing sanctions, while Rep. Sada Soli proposed discussing the matter further in a closed session.
The committee collectively affirmed their commitment to holding the FCT Minister and area council chairmen accountable and ensuring they operate in the best interest of the public.
They underscored that such disregard for legislative authority would not be tolerated, urging strict adherence to parliamentary procedures and responsibilities.
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