Wike defends judges’ housing projects, slams NBA criticism

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the construction of residential projects for judges and justices in Abuja, insisting that the initiative does not threaten the independence of the judiciary.

Wike spoke on Friday after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, including judges’ quarters, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and proposed housing projects for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

His comments came amid criticism reportedly leveled by the Nigerian Bar Association over the involvement of executives in the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary.

Dismissing the concerns, the minister argued that government-funded judicial infrastructure is not a new development and should not be interpreted as interference in the affairs of the judiciary.

“Just because the executive branch builds buildings does not mean it will interfere with the justice system,” Wike said.

“We have already built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary. The Supreme Court was built by the 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 often sought government support for its conferences and activities, while criticizing government interventions in the judiciary.

“All they care about is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he asked.

Wike maintained that the FCT administration would continue to implement projects aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

According to him, the projects are aimed at making judges more comfortable and concentrating on their tasks rather than undermining judicial autonomy.

“This is a voluntary act by the government to put judicial officers at ease and focus on their work. It was not done to erode the independence of the judiciary,” he added.

The minister explained that the projects are part of activities planned to commemorate the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Expressing satisfaction with the judges’ quarters project, Wike described the buildings as well-appointed and almost completed.

“We saw that the judges’ quarters are beautiful. I am very happy that the work was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99% ready,” he said.

He also revealed that preparations were underway for the groundbreaking ceremony of the residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and Code of Conduct Court.

However, Wike expressed disappointment with some aspects of the Abuja Court of Appeal Division’s finishing work on the project, despite noting that the project was about 90% completed.

“Almost 90% completed, but I have to say it’s not the quality I expected. I told the contractor that several errors need to be corrected before the inauguration,” he said.

The minister assured that the administration will continue to closely monitor contractors to ensure that projects are delivered as per specifications and on time.

“All the promises that have been made, we will fulfill them. That’s why we are going around to inspect and ensure that the contractors are ready,” he added.

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