A Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has debunked a report alleging that she was invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over a ₦100 million kickback linked to a fake contract.
Reacting to the allegation in a statement issued on Tuesday, Senator Kingibe described the claim as false, noting that it raises serious questions about motive, particularly given its suspicious timing.
“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.
“Even more fundamentally, as a Senator, I do not award contracts, not even for constituency projects. All such projects are executed strictly by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government in line with established procedures,” she clarified.
Kingibe asserted that any attempt to associate her with contract awards reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding of how government functions or a deliberate act of misinformation.
She also questioned the timing of the report, saying: “What is most telling, however, is the timing. How coincidental that this publication surfaces the very morning after my interview on ARISE Television, where I spoke candidly on the state of the nation and held the government accountable.”
The Senator maintained that the pattern is not lost on discerning observers, stressing that it is becoming increasingly evident that those who speak truth to power must 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,” she said, reiterating her commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
Kingibe emphasised that if such actions are the consequence of refusing to align with what she described as the excesses of government, then so be it, acknowledging that she expects more of such attacks.
She added that the attacks would not deter her, insisting that Nigerians deserve leaders who will speak boldly rather than shrink from the truth.
