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.
