By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s ongoing construction of residential accommodation for judges, insisting that infrastructure support for the judiciary does not threaten judicial independence.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the Body of Benchers led by its Chairman, Albert Akpomudje, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The minister dismissed concerns raised by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, that the construction of judges’ quarters by government could undermine the independence of the judiciary.
According to Wike, the initiative is aimed solely at improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers and should not be interpreted as an attempt to influence the judiciary.
“You cannot denigrate your own judiciary in public because government is providing infrastructure. The judges are not taking the houses home. Government is simply creating an enabling environment,” Wike stated.
He argued that the executive arm of government has consistently provided infrastructural support to institutions such as the judiciary and legislature without interfering in their constitutional roles.
The FCT minister also criticised what he described as “negative criticism,” urging professional bodies and public figures to embrace constructive engagement that would contribute to national growth and institutional development.
Wike further questioned the position of the NBA on the issue, noting that state governments have over the years supported the association’s programmes financially without allegations of compromise.
“State governments have been funding the NBA and nobody says the association has been compromised. Why should building houses for judges suddenly become an issue?” he queried.
The minister called on the leadership of the NBA to channel greater attention toward reforms capable of strengthening the legal profession and enhancing the efficiency of the judiciary.
In a major development during the meeting, Wike directed the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, to immediately commence construction of an access road leading to the annex building of the Body of Benchers currently under construction in Abuja.
He assured the delegation that both the annex building and the access road would be completed and inaugurated in June.
“If you want anything government can do for you, we are here. Heaven will not fall. In fact, heaven will be at peace when good governance is provided,” the minister added.
Earlier, Akpomudje commended the FCT Administration for its infrastructural interventions within the judiciary and expressed appreciation for the near completion of the Body of Benchers annex project.
