The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations that the ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in the nation’s capital are a veiled attempt to compromise the independence of the judiciary.
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Wike, who spoke on Thursday following an extensive inspection of several ongoing projects, including those meant for the judiciary, described the projects as critical “presidential interventions” aimed at strengthening the third arm of government.
The inspection tour included the Court of Appeal complex, residential quarters for heads of courts, and housing units for various judicial officers.
Responding to critics who have questioned the timing and intent of the projects, the Minister insisted that the primary objective is to enhance the welfare, security, and operational efficiency of the courts.
“There is nothing you would do that critics will not criticise. Before now, people complained that judges had nowhere to stay to do their work effectively. Now that government is providing accommodation, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy?” he queried.
The Minister stressed that a functional democracy is tethered to a robust and independent judiciary, adding that providing dignified living conditions does not interfere with a judge’s constitutional mandate.
“You can’t talk about democracy without talking about the judiciary. You also can’t expect them to perform efficiently when they don’t have befitting places to stay. Even when funds are released to the judiciary, it is still the executive that provides those funds,” Wike noted.
The infrastructure drive followed a directive issued by President Bola Tinubu shortly after his inauguration in May 2023.
The President’s mandate to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) was to significantly reduce the accommodation deficit for judges and prioritize their welfare.
Updating the public on the progress, the Minister revealed that the new Court of Appeal division, which includes a separate administrative headquarters, is currently between 85 and 90 percent complete.
“We were there this morning and saw that the work is almost finished. That directive was very clear, and we are glad that it is being faithfully implemented,” he said.
Beyond office complexes, the FCTA is constructing 40 residential houses for judges: 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court.
Plans are also underway to commence similar housing projects for the National Industrial Court.
Additionally, exclusive “Houses of Court” are being built for the heads of the major federal and FCT courts.
“We believe that by June or July, with the speed of work we are seeing, these projects will be handed over for Mr President to formally present to the judiciary,” the Minister added, describing the scale of the intervention as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.
Addressing minor delays at the Court of Appeal complex, Wike attributed the setbacks to unusually heavy rainfall last year but assured that the facility would be commissioned as part of the activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office.
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