Wike defends judges’ housing projects, faults 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 judicial independence.

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 criticisms reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association over executive involvement in providing infrastructure for the judiciary.

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

“The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary,” Wike 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, claiming the association frequently sought support from governments for its conferences and activities while criticising 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 asked.

Wike maintained that the FCT Administration would continue implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

According to him, the projects are intended to make judges more comfortable and focused on their duties rather than undermine judicial autonomy.

“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.

The minister disclosed that the projects form part of activities lined up to commemorate the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

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

“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 also revealed that arrangements were underway for the groundbreaking ceremony of residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, Wike expressed displeasure with aspects of the finishing work at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project, despite noting that the project was about 90 per cent 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.

The minister assured that the administration would continue to monitor contractors closely to ensure projects are delivered according to specifications and within schedule.

“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.