Building homes for Judges Is welfare support, not bribery – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that building houses and offices for judges in Abuja will not affect the independence of the judiciary.

Wike spoke on Thursday after inspecting several judicial projects in Abuja. The projects include judges’ residential quarters and buildings for the Court of Appeal and other courts.

He explained that the projects are special interventions approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the judiciary. They are being carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Administration through the Federal Capital Development Authority.

According to Wike, the aim of the projects is to improve the welfare, safety and efficiency of judges, not to influence them.

He said people always complain, no matter what government does. In the past, critics said judges had no proper accommodation to help them work well. Now that government is building houses for them, the same critics claim it is an attempt to influence judges.

Wike stressed that democracy cannot survive without a strong and independent judiciary. He added that providing decent housing and a safe environment for judges does not weaken their independence.

He noted that even though funds are allocated to the judiciary, the executive arm of government is still responsible for releasing and managing those funds.

The minister said President Tinubu gave a clear directive shortly after assuming office in May 2023 to reduce the housing burden on judges and improve their welfare.

Wike revealed that a new Court of Appeal division with a separate administrative headquarters is about 85 to 90 percent completed.

He also disclosed that 40 houses are being built for judges. These include 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal and 10 for the Federal High Court. Plans are also in place to build houses for judges of the National Industrial Court.

In addition, official residences known as “Houses of Courts” are being constructed for heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal and Chief Judges of various courts.

Wike said the projects should be completed and handed over by June or July this year. He described the development as unprecedented in Nigeria.

He blamed earlier delays on heavy rainfall last year but assured that the projects are now near completion and will be commissioned during President Tinubu’s third year in office.

Wike reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to strengthening the judiciary as a key pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.