Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has debunked claims that she called on Nigerian youths to rise in protest against the federal government.
Instead, she has called for constructive and strategic engagement with public officials to demand better governance.
This clarification comes on the heels of a viral social media video that edited and repurposed remarks she made during a recent press briefing. The clip, titled “Stop complaining, rise and take back Nigeria,” was circulated with claims that the Senator was mobilizing protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Reacting to the distortion, Kingibe described the video as “false and absurd” and warned against deliberate misinterpretations aimed at discrediting her.
Her media aide, Kennedy Mbele, issued a statement on Monday stressing that the Senator has never incited any form of unrest and has always stood for peace, dialogue, and democratic engagement.
“The country belongs to Nigerian youths,” Senator Kingibe had said during the briefing. “Instead of only grumbling or threatening strikes that may never happen, young people must begin to engage the government meaningfully. Write letters, present programmes, propose platforms — that’s how to shape the future.”
The Senator challenged young Nigerians to move beyond online outrage and insults and instead develop proactive agendas that can influence national policy and budgeting priorities.
“Complaining without action will not yield results,” she added. “Engagement is the tool. The Minister is an emissary of the President, and the President is the de facto governor of the FCT. If you want change, address them properly.”
Mbele, in the statement, urged the public to disregard the misleading video, noting that it was designed to stoke tension and misrepresent a lawmaker known for her advocacy on justice, equity, and youth inclusion.
With Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges deepening, Senator Kingibe’s call stands as a timely reminder of the need for focused civic participation rather than reactionary rhetoric.
