Wike to Critics: Housing projects will strengthen judicial independence
Ukpono Ukpong
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms against the ongoing judiciary housing projects in Abuja, insisting that the intervention will strengthen, not compromise, judicial independence.
Wike spoke during an inspection of high-priority judiciary projects, including the Court of Appeal office complex in Dakibiyu, Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, and residential accommodations for Heads of Courts in Asokoro.
He said the projects followed a directive by President Bola Tinubu shortly after his inauguration in May 2023, aimed at reducing the accommodation burden on judicial officers and improving their welfare and work environment.
According to Wike, the President specifically ordered the establishment of a Court of Appeal division with its own purpose-built administrative headquarters, noting that construction work at the Dakibiyu complex was “almost 85–90% ready.”
The minister said the FCT Administration is also constructing 40 residential houses, made up of 20 units for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court, adding that work on housing for the Industrial Court would commence soon.
“In such structures, you feel happy that Mr. President means well for the third arm of government, which is judicial sector,” Wike said, describing the intervention as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.
He noted that the new housing scheme would address security and welfare concerns faced by judges, explaining that many judicial officers currently live among unknown neighbours, including persons whose cases they may be handling.
Wike said the Houses of Courts in Asokoro include residences for the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the Industrial Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, adding that construction had advanced significantly.
“We believe, by the grace of God, with the speed they are going, we believe by June, July, they will have handed over these projects for Mr. President to hand over to the judiciary,” he said.
Responding to claims that the projects were aimed at influencing the judiciary, Wike said, “There is nothing you would do that the critics will not criticize,” insisting that providing decent accommodation does not amount to buying judicial officers.
“You can’t talk about democracy without talking about the judiciary. You can’t talk about them doing their work when they cannot have befitting places to stay,” he said, stressing that funding for all arms of government ultimately comes from the executive.
On delays in completing the Court of Appeal complex, Wike blamed heavy rainfall last year, saying, “The rains last year was something else,” but expressed confidence that the project would be completed and inaugurated within President Tinubu’s current tenure.
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