Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to criticism from rural women and female farmers, who accused her of neglect and ingratitude after voting her into office. Speaking at the 2024 Voice of Women (VOW) conference in Abuja, Kingibe acknowledged the challenges of being a woman in the National Assembly, stating that lobbying has become a major preoccupation in her role as a legislator.
Kingibe, visibly frustrated, defended her record, highlighting the numerous projects she has undertaken since assuming office. These include empowering 10,000 people, building a 50-bed hospital, establishing ICT centers in Gwagwalada and Nyanya, and personally financing 2,000 JAMB forms for students.
The accusations came from a speaker at the event, who preferred anonymity, and expressed disappointment that the senator had not reached out to the women who mobilized votes for her during the 2023 elections. According to the speaker, there had been no town hall meetings or acknowledgment of the women’s contributions, leading to frustration among those who supported her.
In her defense, Kingibe emphasized that while she understands the concerns, her focus is on delivering broader governance for the general good, rather than attending to every individual personally. She pointed out that the FCT has millions of residents, making it impractical to meet everyone individually.
Kingibe also acknowledged the difficulties of being a woman in the male-dominated National Assembly, explaining that she spends significant time lobbying ministries to ensure that important projects receive attention and funding. She urged women to understand that voting for women in leadership positions is about improving the general well-being of the community, not expecting personal favors.
At the same event, former Ekiti State First Lady Bisi Fayemi advised politicians to keep their promises to voters, while Toun Oni, the convener of the event, called for greater inclusion of women in both elective and appointive positions, advocating for the 35% affirmative action for women’s representation in governance.
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