Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Friday dismissed concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) regarding the executive’s provision of housing for judicial officers, describing the criticism as “baseless” and “misleading.”
The controversy stems from the FCT Administration’s ongoing construction of luxury quarters for judges in Abuja, a move some legal experts and the NBA suggest could compromise the independence of the judiciary by making it beholden to the executive branch.
Speaking at a project inspection site, the former Rivers State governor insisted that the initiative was not a personal favor but a fulfillment of a statutory obligation aimed at improving the welfare of legal officers.
“The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary,” he said.
“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by government. So there is nothing new in this.”
The former Rivers State governor also accused the NBA leadership of double standards, alleging that the association routinely seeks financial backing from governments for its activities while criticising similar government interventions in the judiciary.
“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he queried.
Wike maintained that the FCT Administration would remain focused on improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers across the capital city.
“This is a voluntary act by government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence,” he added.
According to the minister, the projects formed part of activities lined up to commemorate the third anniversary of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on the level of work done at the judges’ quarters, Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of execution, noting that the project was nearing completion.
“We’ve seen the judges’ quarters beautiful. I’m very elated that the job was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99 per cent ready,” he stated.
He further disclosed that arrangements were already underway for the groundbreaking ceremony of residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
However, the minister expressed displeasure with aspects of the finishing work at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project despite acknowledging that the building was almost completed.
“Almost 90 per cent complete, but I must say it’s not the quality I expected. I have told the contractor that several errors must be corrected before inauguration,” he said.
Wike assured residents that the FCT Administration would continue strict supervision of contractors handling ongoing projects to ensure timely delivery and adherence to approved standards.
“All the promises that have been made, we are going to fulfil them. That is why we are going around to inspect and ensure contractors are ready,” he added.
