Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the construction of houses for judges and justices in Abuja, insisting that the projects would not compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Wike made the remarks on Friday after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, and proposed housing projects for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The minister was reacting to concerns reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association over executive involvement in providing infrastructure for the judiciary.

Dismissing the criticisms, Wike argued that government provision of facilities for judicial officers was not new and should not be interpreted as interference with the judiciary.

“The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary,” he said.

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by the government. So there is nothing new in this.”

Wike also accused the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association of inconsistency, alleging that the association often seeks financial support from state 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 queried.

The minister maintained that the FCT Administration would continue implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of judges and justices across the country.

“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.

Wike explained that the judicial projects form part of activities lined up to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the judges’ quarters project, describing the development as well executed and almost ready for inauguration.

“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.

The minister further disclosed that preparations had commenced for the groundbreaking ceremony of residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, Wike expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the finishing work at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project despite its advanced stage of completion.

“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.

He assured that the administration would continue monitoring contractors to ensure projects are delivered according to approved specifications and timelines.

“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,” the minister added.

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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the immediate suspension of the Tax Reform Act, citing serious controversies surrounding its passage and warning that the issues threaten Nigeria’s democratic and legislative integrity.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, the NBA expressed deep concern over what it described as procedural irregularities in the enactment of the tax laws, stressing that transparency, accountability, and constitutional compliance must underpin all legislative processes.

According to the association, the circumstances surrounding the passage of the Tax Reform Act have raised questions about the sanctity of lawmaking in a constitutional democracy, especially for legislation with wide-ranging economic and social consequences.

Call for Independent Investigation

The NBA urged authorities to institute a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation into how the Tax Reform Act was enacted, saying such a step is necessary to restore public trust and confidence in Nigeria’s legislative system.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, the association insisted that all plans to implement the law should be suspended immediately.

Economic and Investor Risks

The lawyers’ body warned that ongoing legal and policy uncertainty surrounding the tax reforms poses significant risks to Nigeria’s economy. According to the NBA, the situation could unsettle the business environment, weaken investor confidence, and create unpredictability for individuals, businesses, and institutions expected to comply with the law.

“Legal and policy uncertainty of this magnitude is inimical to economic stability and should have no place in a system governed by the rule of law,” the statement said.

Rule of Law Must Be Upheld

The NBA stressed that Nigeria’s constitutional democracy requires laws to emerge from processes that are transparent, accountable, and beyond reproach, warning that any deviation undermines public confidence and weakens the foundations of lawful governance.

The association therefore called on relevant authorities to act swiftly to address the controversy surrounding the Tax Reform Act in the interest of constitutional order, economic stability, and the preservation of the rule of law.

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By Ameh Gabriel

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić has added yet another accolade to his glittering résumé, claiming the 2025 NBA Fan Favorites Award for his breathtaking no-look, over-the-shoulder pass that left fans in awe.

The Serbian big man capped off a phenomenal season where he averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, while shooting 58% from the field and 42% from three. Though he narrowly missed out on the MVP title finishing second in voting Jokić carried Denver to a dramatic Game 7 clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

His dominance continues to draw admiration from peers. Ahead of EuroBasket 2025, Spain’s Santi Aldama described Jokić as “a mix of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić,” highlighting the unique blend of size, vision, and skill that makes him the most unguardable center in basketball.

Off the court, Denver’s front office wasted no time retooling the roster. With no draft picks to deploy, the Nuggets turned to trades bringing in Jonas Valančiūnas from Sacramento to bolster their frontcourt, and striking a major deal to land Cameron Johnson from Brooklyn in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick.

Johnson, 29, is coming off a career-best season with the Nets, averaging 18.8 points, 3.4 assists, and shooting nearly 40% from deep. Denver believes his spacing and scoring will thrive alongside Jokić, whose playmaking has historically elevated perimeter shooters.

For the Nuggets, the formula is clear: build around Jokić’s generational talent with versatile, high-IQ pieces. The fan-voted award serves as a reminder of his artistry, but the real focus in Denver is a second championship.

With Jokić leading the charge and fresh reinforcements in place, the Nuggets’ title ambitions look sharper than ever.

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