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abuja – Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Barr Nyesom Wike has rejected allegations that the construction of houses for judges in Abuja is aimed at influencing the judiciary.
Wike explained that the housing project is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s welfare initiative for the judiciary aimed at enhancing its independence rather than compromising it.
At a media briefing on Wednesday, Wike explained that the project is a key provision in the 2024 federal budget, adding Tinubu's administration recognized the need for secure, government-owned accommodation for judges as a measure against possible manipulation Is.
According to Wike, the initiative was designed to shift judges out of rented accommodation in areas sensitive to security concerns.
“President Tinubu asked, 'Where are the judges staying?' He emphasized that judges without stable homes may be subject to undue political pressure. To ensure judicial independence, he made construction of housing mandatory for them,” Wick said. Mr. President, which has been approved by the Federal Executive Council and the budget given by the National Assembly.”
Wike stressed that, as a minister, he was executing a policy that was legislated and approved at the federal level, adding, “I am not the President. This is his stance to support the independence of the judiciary.”
Reflecting on his past as Rivers State Governor, where he also supported judicial housing, Wike questioned why the project should be criticized rather than appreciated, especially by members of the legal profession.
He argued that similar welfare measures have proven effective in securing judicial independence and should be seen as a positive step.
The housing initiative, passed with bipartisan support, represents the government's commitment to supporting the welfare of judges. Wike's clarification is aimed at reducing skepticism surrounding the project, outlining it as a federal policy to promote integrity within Nigeria's judicial system.
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