Wike Rejects Claims Construction of Houses for Judges Compromise Judiciary
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed suggestions that ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja could compromise the independence of the judiciary.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday after inspecting several projects, including the Court of Appeal complex, Judges’ Quarters, and residences for heads of courts of Appeal.
He said the projects, executed by the FCT Administration under the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), are presidential interventions aimed at improving welfare, security, and efficiency within the judiciary.
“There is nothing you would do that critics will not criticise. Before now, people complained that judges had nowhere to stay. Now that government is providing accommodation, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy?” Wike said.
He added that providing decent accommodation and secure environments for judges does not undermine their constitutional independence, stressing that no democracy can function without a strong judiciary.
Wike noted that the projects follow directives from President Bola Tinubu issued shortly after his May 2023 inauguration, mandating the FCT Administration to reduce accommodation burdens and improve judges’ welfare.
He disclosed that a new Court of Appeal division with a separate administrative headquarters is nearly 90 per cent complete.
The FCT Administration is also constructing 40 residential houses for judges—20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court—with plans to start housing for the National Industrial Court.
Official residences, referred to as “Houses of Courts,” are also being built for heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the National Industrial Court, and the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and FCT High Court.
Wike expressed optimism that the projects will be handed over to the President for formal presentation to the judiciary by June or July.
He described the development as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.
Addressing delays in the Court of Appeal complex, he attributed setbacks to last year’s heavy rainfall but assured that the project is nearing completion and will be commissioned during President Tinubu’s third year in office.
He praised the pace and quality of work, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
