Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has told FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that she cannot be intimidated by insults, threats or political pressure, insisting that no minister is above the law.

Kingibe also declared that Wike could not determine whether she would return to the Senate in 2027, saying the decision belonged to the people of the FCT.

She stated this on Thursday in a post on her X platform, in response to the minister’s recent comments on her criticism of the FCT Administration and her political future.

“I have never been one to be intimidated by insults, threats, or political pressure, and I will not start now,” Kingibe said.

She said her responsibility as a senator was to ask questions, demand accountability and defend the constitutional principles upon which democracy was founded.

According to her, raising questions about public borrowing, public funds and the conduct of government should not be construed as an act of disrespect but as part of her legislative responsibility.

On the controversy over loans obtained by the FCT Administration, Kingibe challenged Wike to produce the official record showing that the Senate approved the borrowings.

“As for not getting approval for the loans, I dare the FCT Minister to show the people of the FCT, and all who have asked, the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given.

“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was NEVER brought before the Senate,” she said.

Kingibe further declared that no public official was above scrutiny.

“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.

The senator also rejected any suggestion that Wike could determine her political fate ahead of the 2027 election.

“And no individual has the authority to decide by personal declaration who the people of the FCT will elect in 2027. That decision belongs solely to the people,” she said.

Kingibe also condemned what she described as attempts to intimidate, silence or demean women in public office.

“Women who choose to serve in public office must not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles,” she said.

She vowed to continue scrutinising government activities and speaking on issues affecting residents of the FCT.

“I will not be distracted by personal attacks. I will continue to speak when the interest of the FCT demands it, scrutinise matters that require scrutiny, and stand firmly for the people I represent,” she said.

“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve.

“The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election.”

Christian Eriksen has left Wolfsburg by mutual consent, just over three months after collapsing during Denmark’s friendly with Ukraine.

The former Manchester United midfielder’s contract with the German second-tier side had been scheduled to run until June 2027.

Eriksen, 34, had previously suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening European Championship group match against Finland in Copenhagen in 2021.

“At the moment, it is important for me to be close to my family in Denmark. I’m pleased that we were able to find a solution together,” Eriksen said.

“My time in Wolfsburg was marked by many highs and lows. I know that the club is now in good hands as it aims to make its way back to the Bundesliga, and I am convinced that a successful future lies ahead.”

Eriksen, who has not played since June, joined Wolfsburg as a free agent a year ago after leaving Manchester United and made 34 appearances for the club.

The 151-cap international has previously played for Ajax, Tottenham, Inter Milan and Brentford.

In a statement, Wolfsburg’s managing director for sport, Dieter Hecking, said: “It was clear that the decision about his future had to be Christian’s.

“We wanted to give him that freedom in this particular situation and have now agreed to his request to terminate the contract.

“Despite his short time here, he has left a lasting impression on his team-mates, our staff and the fans.”

Former Super Eagles defender Ben Iroha has categorically ruled himself out of becoming president of the Nigeria Football Federation, insisting that even if the position were offered to him without a contest, he would turn it down

Iroha’s position comes amid continuing discussions over reforms in Nigerian football and growing calls for former internationals to play more prominent roles in the administration of the game.

But the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner says the NFF presidency is one responsibility he does not want.

“I wouldn’t like to be. If they give it to me for free, I won’t take it. Honestly,” Iroha told PREMIUM TIMES when asked whether he would consider becoming NFF president.

The former left-back stressed that his decision should not be interpreted as an unwillingness to contribute to Nigerian football.

“I always love my country. I will serve my country and do everything I can, but if they give it to me for free, I won’t take it. There are a lot of things I cannot manage,” he explained.

Iroha brings considerable experience from both sides of the game. He represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, won the 1994 AFCON and later moved into coaching, including roles with Nigeria’s U-17 team and Nigerian clubs. He has since built a life in Dallas, Texas, where he is also involved in business.

His comments come at a significant moment for the NFF, with FIFA and CAF involved in consultations over the future structure of Nigerian football administration following the recent leadership upheaval.

Iroha believes Nigerian football needs to confront its problems, particularly after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

But while he remains prepared to serve Nigerian football in other capacities, one job is firmly off his list: the NFF presidency.