Senator Ireti Kingibe has reacted to reports by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that a Senator sponsored protests in the nation’s capital.
A video had also been posted on the internet showing Mrs. Kingibe (Senator Representing the FCT), and her Labour Party, LP’s Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, with a crowd.
Wike spoke after a Security Council meeting in Abuja, saying that the Senator, whom he failed to name, provided food for the protesters.
“We also have information that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters,” the minister said. “That is sponsorship. A senator providing food for protesters. “At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day.”
However, responding to Wike’s charge, Senator Kingibe said in a tweet:
“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.
“Now, these deceitful individuals are trying to pass off this old footage as current, claiming that Mr. @PeterObi and I are leading protests in Abuja yesterday. This is a malicious and desperate attempt to discredit us. Let me set the record straight: 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.
“I condemn this orchestrated attempt to spread falsehoods and cause confusion, using it as the basis to claim I sponsored the Abuja protest. 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.”
