The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, defended the ongoing construction of houses for Nigerian judges in Abuja, stating that it is part of a welfare initiative directed by President Bola Tinubu, not a personal policy.
Wike responded to critics, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who had accused him of violating the constitution by providing judges with homes and vehicles.
Falana had argued that such actions undermined the judiciary’s financial independence, which is enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
Falana, during a program on Channels Television, questioned the legality of the initiative, stating that there is no provision for a minister to give houses and cars to federal judges.
He suggested that if the government intended to offer such benefits, it should seek approval from the National Assembly and allocate funds to the National Judicial Council for proper disbursement.
In his response, Wike clarified that the housing project was not his own idea, but a policy introduced by President Tinubu to address the living conditions of judges.
According to Wike, the president had expressed concern over the vulnerability of judges who currently live in rented accommodations, which could expose them to political manipulation.
He explained that the project was included in the 2024 national budget, approved by the National Assembly and assented to by the president, making it a legal initiative.
Wike emphasized that his role as FCT Minister is simply to implement the president’s directive and oversee the execution of the project. He reiterated that the construction of homes for judges is part of the approved budget and not a discretionary decision.
Wike also pointed out that the goal is to provide secure and appropriate housing for judges, who have long been living in less-than-ideal conditions.
Wike rejected accusations that the housing scheme was an attempt to influence the judiciary for political gain, insisting that it was a well-intentioned measure to enhance judicial independence and ensure that judges live in secure, dignified accommodations.
In his words, “President Tinubu asked, ‘Where are the judges living? They have no homes, and that makes them vulnerable to political manipulation. As a president who values judicial independence, I believe judges must have their own homes,” Wike said.
“I am not the president. I am simply fortunate to serve as a minister in this administration, tasked with implementing the president’s policies. President Tinubu said, ‘This is what I want to do, so let’s find a way to make it happen.’
“This is not just a personal decision—it’s a law, part of the approved budget. What’s the issue? I am simply carrying out the directive to ensure that judges, who currently live in rented accommodation, are relocated to more secure and appropriate housing.
“The building of houses for judges is in the budget of 2024, appropriated by the National Assembly, assented to by Mr President which is a law. What is the problem? I am only the implementor, go and implement this,” he stated.
