Wike defends govt-built houses for judges, slams ‘destructive criticism’

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged professional bodies in Nigeria to focus on attracting meaningful development and reforms to their institutions rather than engaging in constant criticism of government.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving delegates of the Body of Benchers led by its Chairman, Albert Akpomudje, during a courtesy visit at his official residence in Life Camp.

The minister said leaders of professional associations should be remembered for the projects and improvements they secured for their members while in office.

“What is leadership all about? At the end of your tenure, what will you say is your legacy?” Wike asked.

“You cannot occupy a position and all you do is criticise government every day. People will ask you: while you had the opportunity, what did you do for your profession?” he added.

Wike commended successive leaders of the Body of Benchers for consistently engaging government to improve infrastructure and facilities within the legal profession.

According to him, the annex building of the Body of Benchers is nearing completion and will be delivered by June, while the access road around the Nigerian Law School and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Academy corridor is already 98 per cent completed.

The minister also approved a fresh request for the construction of an access road to the Body of Benchers annex building and directed officials of the FCT Administration to incorporate the project into ongoing works.

Wike criticised what he described as “destructive criticism” by some professional groups, insisting that constructive engagement with government yields better outcomes.

“Constructive criticism is good, but not the kind where nobody sees anything good in what government is doing,” he stated.

He also defended government support for judicial officers, particularly the construction of houses for judges, arguing that such interventions strengthen institutions rather than compromise them.

“If government provides accommodation for judges, people say they are compromised. But when the NBA goes about seeking support from government, nobody talks about compromise,” he said.

The minister urged professional associations to identify challenges within their sectors and partner with government to address them instead of limiting their activities to media criticism.

Earlier, Akpomudje commended the FCT Administration for ongoing infrastructural transformation across Abuja, especially projects benefiting the legal profession.

He praised the completion of the Body of Benchers annex building, the ongoing fire service station project and the construction of access roads within the complex.

“Roads are being constructed and upgraded daily both in the city centre and rural areas. Indeed, this is what governance should be,” he said.

Akpomudje added that collaboration among the executive, legislature and judiciary remains essential for strengthening democratic institutions and improving access to justice in Nigeria.