Judges housing won’t erode judicial independence -Wike

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday, defended government-funded housing for judges and justices in Abuja, rejecting Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) fears that such projects threaten judicial autonomy.

The remarks came after Wike inspected ongoing works, including that of judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, and planned homes for Industrial Court and Code of Conduct Tribunal judges—prompting fresh debate on executive involvement in judicial infrastructure.

Dismissing the NBA’s stance, Wike argued that providing facilities is standard practice, not interference, noting: “The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary.

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. Government built the Supreme Court, so there is nothing new in this.”

He accused NBA leaders of double standards, pointing to their reliance on government funding for events.

“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.

Wike positioned the projects as welfare enhancements tied to President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary.

“This is a voluntary act by the government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence.

“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,” the minister said.