The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied allegations suggesting that the construction of residential accommodations for judges in Abuja is intended to manipulate them for political advantage.
Wike emphasized that the initiative is aimed at providing judges with suitable housing to enhance their welfare and ensure the smooth functioning of the judiciary.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the independence of the judiciary and dismissed any insinuations that these housing projects are designed to compromise the integrity of the judges.
Wike called for a focus on the positive aspects of the initiative, which he believes will ultimately strengthen the judicial system in the country.
He said that the construction of homes for judges is not his policy, but part of welfare packages President Bola Tinubu designed for the judges to promote the independence of the judiciary.
Wike made the clarification during a media chat on Wednesday, insisting that the project was approved in the 2024 budget, and he is only performing his duty of implementing it.
Wike explained: “(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?”
Wike insisted that there is nothing inherently wrong with the idea of constructing homes for judges, even if it originated from him. He further elaborated that during his tenure as the governor of Rivers State, he implemented a similar initiative aimed at improving the living conditions of judges.
Wike believes that providing adequate housing for judges is essential for their well-being and enables them to perform their duties effectively.
He maintained that such efforts should be viewed positively, as they reflect a commitment to supporting the judiciary rather than any ulterior motives.
The former Rivers State governor lamented the criticisms for this project instead of commendations, especially from those in the legal profession.