From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied accusations that the construction of housing for judges in Abuja is intended to manipulate them for political gain.
Speaking during a media chat on Wednesday monitored in Abuja, the minister emphasised that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s welfare programme aimed at promoting judicial independence.
Wike reiterated his role as an implementer of the President’s policies, stating, “(Tinubu said) ‘Where are the judges living? They have no homes and therefore open to political manipulation and for me as a president who wants to guaranty the independence of the judiciary judges must have their homes’.
“I am not Mr President; I am only lucky to be appointed as a minister under this administration and who is in the position to implement his policies. And Mr President said, look, this is what he wants, come up and see what we can do.
“It was approved by Mr President, sent to the National Assembly in the 2024 budget that there should be construction of judges and Justices quarters. That they should move judges from where they are renting houses, living among criminals.
“A policy anybody should commend Mr President, it 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.
“Federal Executive Council approved the contract and everything, it is not my policy, how will you now want to kill me that I am implementing what the Federal Government approved?”
“This project is not my policy; it was approved by Mr. President as part of the 2024 budget,”
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had raised concerns about the implications of providing housing for judges, arguing that it undermines judicial independence and could lead to perceptions of subservience to the executive branch.
In a letter dated November 9, SERAP urged President Tinubu to halt such practices and improve judicial welfare through established constitutional mechanisms.
He expressed disappointment over criticism from some quarters, particularly within the legal profession, stating that such initiatives should be commended rather than condemned.
Meanwhile, Wike disclosed his plans to provide 50 vehicles of security personnel to combat insecurity and apprehend scavengers who pose a threat to security in the FCT.
Speaking during a live television programme monitored in Abuja, Wike noted that the security situation in the FCT has improved due to the fact that security personnel work around the clock to keep residents safe.
He added that some of the beggars in the city pose a security risk in addition to being a nuisance, noting that some of them are informants.
“I disagree with you that poverty is responsible, professional begging is what is happening. We have security threats and you give excuses for them.
“Some of them are not only informants, but scavengers too. The committee is now working day and night. Next week, I will distribute 50 vehicles to security agencies to provide comfort for Abuja residents. We are giving them necessary support to enable them succeed.
“We’re here to fight insecurity to give Abuja residents the comfort they deserve. If Abuja is not safe, then forget Nigeria.”
Regarding the construction of judge residences, Wike stated that the goal was to support the judiciary’s independence rather than to exert any influence over them.
According to him, the FCDA even builds and maintains the mansions of the National Assembly’s leadership, which has no bearing on them. He said likewise, judges are in the same boat.
He charged Nigerians to applaud President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the administration has altered the development narrative, thanking the president for giving him the chance to take part in it.
“People should commend Tinubu and the administration. What was the condition of the city and the rural areas before now? I thank God that Tinubu gave me the opportunity to contribute. Any day I go to the rural area, I feel very happy. Yesterday I was in Saburi community, look at the happiness among the people.
“On the Dei Dei to Life Camp road I promised the people that as the Saburi road is delivered in December this year, the Dei Dei – Life Camp would soon pass through the BPP process. Just this morning, BPP sent me an approval which I have forwarded to FEC for approval. In Bwari Ushafa, Military College community, see the joy of the people when we flagged off their road project.”
Wike stated that government effort alone won’t suffice in the transport sector. Following the construction of the bus terminals, he promised to work with the private sector and to track all private participants in the painted taxis in Abuja.
On political front, Wike attacked the Governor of Bauchi State and the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, for his political view.