Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
At the official flag-off of the design and construction of residences for the heads of courts in Abuja, a project aimed at transforming judicial accommodation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, emphasised his administration’s the commitment to ending the accommodation woes of judges and heralding a new era of judicial welfare.
“Today is the most important day of all the flag-offs we have done,” Wike declared on Monday as he addressed dignitaries, judicial officers, and government officials.
Reflecting on his directive from President Tinubu when appointed Minister of the FCT, he said, “One thing your government must show differently is that we can’t afford to continue to see judges living in rented houses. Sometimes you don’t even know who the landlord is or the neighbours. Judges preside over serious matters, and their safety and welfare must be assured.”
Wike charged skeptics to acknowledge the unprecedented nature of the project in the FCT. He praised Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasising that, “This person has changed the narrative,” breaking from past neglect to consistently backing judicial welfare reforms with budgetary provisions approved by the National Assembly and assented to by the President.
Importantly, under President Tinubu’s policy, the houses built for these judges will become their personal property upon retirement. “This is not for temporary occupancy,” Wike stated firmly. “You will see headlines saying retired Chief Judge has taken our house. That is the true position.”
He recounted the hardship faced by some judicial officers, painting a vivid picture of one presiding justice “who posted to Abuja but was squatting with his brother for two years.” Wike recalled his own gubernatorial experience in Rivers State where retired judges were guaranteed housing or financial compensation.
On the scope of the project, Wike revealed plans for handing over 10 duplexes each for the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court, and 20 for the FCT High Court by year-end. “We are not starting this project to abandon it. We have settled the contract for completion in 12 months,” warning contractors against delays and discouraged excuses such as unforeseen soil conditions or bad weather.
Other News
He also announced plans to digitalise the FCT courts immediately, a project championed by the Attorney General. “We want to give the FCT High Court the best working conditions to serve Nigerians,” Wike said.
Also speaking, Fagbemi, lauded the administration’s judicial reform drive. “This project manifests President Tinubu’s vision that a robust judiciary is essential to national development and democratic governance,” he said. Highlighting the residences’ panoramic views and high standards, Fagbemi remarked, “Our judges deserve no less.”
The Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Hussein Yusuf, emphasizsed the strategic importance of the project, stating, “This is not just architectural; it affirms judicial welfare, security, and independence. The Honourable Minister has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to justice sector reform.”
Echoing similar sentiments, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benedict Kanyip, recalled Wike’s past support as Rivers State Governor, noting that “the provision of residences enabled our judges to focus and deliver justice impartially.” He expressed confidence in the current project’s successful completion.
