Abuja Flood: Wike Worsened Problem, Says Kingibe

“This is not a personal matter with the minister. It is simply that any issue adversely affecting my constituents necessitates my intervention,”

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has blamed the worsening flooding in Abuja on the development of green spaces, flood channels and flood plains, accusing the administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of significantly aggravating the problem.

Kingibe, who spoke in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, said indiscriminate construction had obstructed natural waterways and drainage routes, leaving rainwater with limited outlets during heavy downpours.

She said she had repeatedly raised concerns with relevant FCT agencies over developments that, in her view, contravened Abuja’s master plan.

“Some of the developments sanctioned by the current FCT administration are indeed heightening the flood risk in Abuja. I have consistently raised concerns about the green areas, gullies, flood channels and flood plains, as I observe them being developed upon,” she said.

The senator cited developments in Wuse Zone 6, where she alleged that a residential project was being constructed over a sewage line, resulting in a foul odour and posing a potential health hazard.

She also mentioned gullies in Asokoro, Jabi Park and the area around the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, alleging that some had been built upon or enclosed.

According to her, the obstruction of waterways has become particularly problematic because of Abuja’s rocky terrain.

“When it rains, particularly given the rocky terrain surrounding Abuja, the water has no proper outlet because all its pathways are obstructed,” she said.

Kingibe maintained that Abuja was designed under a master plan that made provision for green spaces, drainage channels and other infrastructure, warning that allowing construction on every available space would worsen flooding.

She stressed that her concerns about the capital’s infrastructure predated her disagreement with Wike, insisting that her interventions were motivated by the welfare of her constituents.

“This is not a personal matter with the minister. It is simply that any issue adversely affecting my constituents necessitates my intervention,” she said.

The senator disclosed that she had written to the relevant FCT agencies seeking details of the short- and long-term measures being planned to address flooding in the capital.

Kingibe acknowledged that flooding in Abuja did not begin under Wike, noting that successive administrations had contributed to the reduction of green spaces.

However, she said the situation had deteriorated considerably in the past three to four years under Wike’s leadership.

“Clearly, there was an issue. It did not originate with him, but he has certainly intensified that problem considerably,” she said.

As an immediate measure, Kingibe urged the authorities to clear waste from the city and unclog drainage channels before the next heavy rains.

She also called for a comprehensive assessment and maintenance of Abuja’s sewage and drainage systems, saying the problems required urgent attention beyond political considerations.

“We need to engage in a realistic and comprehensive discussion, setting aside political agendas, to identify urgent solutions,” she said.

Kingibe further urged the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight of the FCT and ensure that concerns over flooding and infrastructure were properly investigated.

She appealed to lawmakers not to dismiss her interventions as part of her disagreement with the FCT minister, stressing that the worsening floods should prompt urgent action to protect residents.