By Tee Jay Dan, Maitama
The political temperature in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is boiling again. Last week, social media erupted with outrage over the non-performance—one could even say the non-existence—of Senator Ireti Kingibe, the current representative of the FCT at the Nigerian Senate.
Many indigenous people expected a better deal, considering how she packaged herself during her campaign. But reality has been disappointing. Instead of bridging gaps, she has sown divisions and alienated those she swore to represent.
Senator Ireti Kingibe: The Worst Senator in FCT History?
Ireti rode into the Senate on a promise of better representation. She criticized her predecessors and vowed to prioritize indigenous concerns. But soon after assuming office, her rhetoric shifted.
- She has been accused of disrespecting indigenous tribes, especially the Gbagyi.
- Reports suggest her aides have humiliated elders and community leaders.
- She has allegedly made condescending remarks about FCT natives.
Aside from occasional TV appearances and fights with the FCT Minister over budgetary allocations, she has been largely absent from the lives of the people she represents.
Supporters argue she’s a first-time senator still “finding her feet.” But must incompetence be the new standard for first-term lawmakers?
Aduda vs. Jisalo: The Hidden Battle
Criticism of Ireti quickly spiraled into another round of the Aduda vs. Jisalo rivalry. The division among FCT youths is clear:
- Pro-Aduda voices see every criticism of Ireti as justification for Aduda’s comeback.
- Pro-Jisalo voices dismiss Ireti’s failures, focusing instead on blocking Aduda’s return.
But two truths can coexist: Aduda may want a comeback, and Ireti may indeed be failing spectacularly.
Why Is Jisalo Getting a Free Pass?
Here lies the big question: why does Minister of Special duties and Intergovernmental affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, escape accountability?
- When commissioners were appointed for the North Central Development Commission, FCT was sidelined, and Jisalo said nothing—even after protests led to the death of a youth.
- During the APC primaries in Gwagwalada, a candidate from Kano was imposed on FCT natives. Jisalo kept quiet.
- Yet, he and his allies are more concerned with fighting local politicians like Joshua Ishaku simply because of his alleged ties to Aduda.
If Aduda could be criticized for failing to deliver the mayoral bill, why can’t Jisalo be held to the same standard?
Time to Rethink Our Political Culture
As FCT natives, we must stop reducing accountability to petty rivalries. Instead of fighting over who should or shouldn’t return to the Senate, we should focus on:
- Holding Ireti accountable for her poor representation.
- Challenging Jisalo to maximize his role as the first indigenous minister from the FCT.
- Reassessing our culture of silence, where questioning leaders is wrongly seen as disrespect.
True respect for leadership means demanding performance, not blind loyalty.
Final Thoughts
I know this piece will earn me some bashing. But I have always been consistent in calling out leaders, whether Aduda, Ireti, or Jisalo. At this moment, Aduda is not in power. Jisalo and Ireti are. Our focus should be on squeezing the most value from their time in office, not fighting proxy wars over 2027.
Until we learn to hold all our leaders equally accountable, we will continue to be shortchanged.
Selah.
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