In June 2007, he was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation. In September 2008, with the onset of Yar'Adua's subsequent illness and first hospitalization in Saudi Arabia, Kingibe was unceremoniously removed from office for allegedly plotting with General Abdullahi Mohammed to remove Yar'Adua from power due to his poor health. Following his removal from office, Kingibe maintained a low profile and later became critical of President Goodluck Jonathan's ability to suppress the insurgency in the North-East.