By Ayorinde Oluokun
Ireti Kingibe, the Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory has described a story in a national newspaper that she was dragged to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over a ₦100 million kickback for a fake contract” as false.
“Let it be stated categorically and without ambiguity, I have never been invited, queried, or contacted by the ICPC on this or any related matter. At no time has the Commission written to me or sought any explanation regarding any allegation whatsoever,” Kingibe said in a statement she posted on her social media handles on Tuesday.
While dismissing the claim that she was linked to a kickback tied to a so-called “fake contract, Kingibe said as a Senator, she was not in charge of awarding contracts even for constituency projects.
According to her, all such projects are executed strictly by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government in line with established procedures.
She therefore said any attempt to associate her with contract awards reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding of how government functions or a deliberate act of misinformation.
Furthermore, the FCT Senator said there are serious questions about motive of the publication because of what she desribed as its ‘suspicious timing’
Kingibe noted that publication surfaces the very morning after her interview on ARISE Television, where, according to her, she “spoke candidly on the state of the nation and held the government accountable”
“This pattern is not lost on discerning observers. It is becoming increasingly evident that those who choose to speak truth to power must now contend not only with resistance but also with calculated attempts at intimidation and character assassination.
“Let it be made clear, I will not be silenced.
“I remain resolute in my commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. If this is the consequence of refusing to align with the excesses of government, then so be it.
“I fully expect more of such attacks. They will not deter me, because the Nigerian people deserve leaders who will speak boldly, not those who shrink from the truth,” Kingibe said.