Ireti Kingibe is not a new face as far as the politics of the nation is concerned.
She has traversed the political terrain and presently gunning to be the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory in the forthcoming 2023 elections.
In this interview, she speaks of her ambition and how she can improve on the lives of people in the FCT if election.
EXCERPTS;
WHO IS IRETI KINGIBE
For the record, I am an Idealist and committed change agent. I started my politics in ANPP. I was offered everything to let the elections go but I did not. You can verify the election results of 2003, between Isa Maina and I. When my husband joined PDP, I was forced to move but I still worked for the opposition. I left the PDP in2014 and moved back to ANPP though I was told that only PDP will continue winning. I worked for Buhari in 2015 because, I, like most people thought that he was the leader that would save Nigeria. As you know we were all wrong and in 2019, I didn’t work or vote for Buhari or the APC candidate. I have always said and my politics has always been based on “the candidate is more important than the party”. I have not actively participated in politics since for several reasons – disillusionment, Covid and some amount of ill health. Early this year, I decided that the country was not improving and I didn’t join politics to be part of the injustice, lack of equity and impunity that was the norm in the political space. So I resigned officially from everything.
NNPP and Labour Party came looking for me and insisted that I must be their candidate. I refused but labour Party wouldn’t accept “No” and met all my conditions before I finally agreed to be the Labour Party Senatorial candidate. I have built my grassroots structures tirelessly over several years and there is no village in Abuja that I am unknown and have not visited over two to three times. So it isn’t everyone who needs to ride the Peter Obi wave as you put.
WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO OFFER AND WHY LABOUR PARTY?
Early this year, I decided that the country was not improving and I didn’t join politics to be part of the injustice, lack of equity and impunity that was the norm in the political space. So I resigned officially from everything.
NNPP and Labour Party came looking for me and insisted that I must be their candidate. I refused but labour Party wouldn’t accept “No” and met all my conditions before I finally agreed to be the Labour Party Senatorial candidate. I have built my grassroots structures tirelessly over several years and there is no village in Abuja that I am unknown and have not visited over two to three times. So it isn’t everyone who needs to ride the Peter Obi wave as you put.
I am presently the Labour Party (LP) Senatorial Candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 2023 General Elections, and I seek the support of all.
I am driven to run for this seat by my deep conviction that a sustainably prosperous Nigeria is attainable; and also by my strong commitment to participating in ushering our nation into an era of good governance, transparent, responsive, accountable and inclusive leadership.
It is said that success happens when preparation meets opportunity. The dire socio-economic challenges faced by the people in recent times have resulted in a growing clamour for better governance systems driven by credible and competent leaders.
FCT is the national capital, the seat of Government and the “face” of the nation. It is unique in that it is not a state but constitutionally to be treated like a state. It’s single senator has both Legislative duties as well as tacit Executive ones. FCT belongs to all Nigerians and must work for all. I will advocate, accelerate and administer up to Ten (10) Strategic Community based Development Impact Programs to promote gender equality mainstreaming, poverty reduction, Food security, improved healthcare services & infrastructure, agriculture and industry development, all anchored, on Education and Human Capital Development.
The Federal Capital Territory should be a pilot and a model for the rest of the nation. This vision is possible and my consistent presence in the political space over the past several years has prepared me and positioned me for this office at this time.
The success of this campaign requires strong and organised grassroots mobilisation. To actualize this mission of a thriving society built on the principles of inclusion, equity and sustainable development, I need your support to bring Hope and Build a Better tomorrow for everyone, especially, women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
This vision for a new Nigeria requires all our collective efforts.