Toba Owojaiye reporting
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has intervened in the brewing conflict involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe. Falana emphasized that the FCT minister is not accountable to Kingibe or the National Assembly in the execution of his duties.
Senator Ireti Kingibe had cautioned Wike against operating independently without National Assembly supervision, asserting that the FCT minister lacks executive powers and must adhere to the constitutional framework of legislative oversight. However, Falana, in his interpretation of the constitution, contended that Kingibe was mistaken in asserting that the minister is accountable to the National Assembly.
According to Falana, the executive authority over the FCT rests with the President, who may delegate these powers to the minister as needed. This means that the minister can act in the capacity of the President (on matters relating to the FCT) who serves as the de facto governor of the FCT.
Legislative powers over the FCT are vested in the National Assembly, while judicial powers reside in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that executive powers lie with the National Assembly in the absence of a governor in the FCT.
Falana concluded that anyone dissatisfied with decisions in the FCT should seek recourse in the FCT High Court.