Wike also highlighted the importance of collaboration among the judiciary, executive and legislative arms of the government
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to continue supporting the judiciary despite criticism by his detractors.
In September, the minister flagged off the construction of 40 houses for judges in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, he said 20 of the houses, when completed, would be allocated to judges of the FCT high court, while 10 would be given to the judges of the federal high court and 10 to those of the court of appeal.
The gesture, however, sparked public outrage, as many Nigerian lambasted him and accused him of trying to bribe the judges.
Addressing the development during a recent interview, human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, publicly condemned Wike’s action.
According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the autonomy of the judiciary has been constitutionalised.
“The minister of the federal capital territory operates like a state governor by virtue of the section 299 of the Constitution,” Falana said.
“So, he cannot say I am going to build 40 houses; 10 shall go to the federal high court, 10 shall go to judges in the FCT high court and 10 shall go to the court of appeal and supreme court
No!”
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He further added that judges’ housing should be managed by the national judicial council, adding that executive assistance to the judiciary should go through the national assembly.
Reacting to the criticisms, Wike highlighted the importance of collaboration among the judiciary, executive and legislative arms of the government.
Speaking on Friday at the flagging off of the design, construction, and furnishing of the office annexe of the Body of Benchers of Nigeria in Abuja, he pointed out that provision has already been made in the supplementary budget of the FCT for the construction of the Body of Benchers office complex.
The minister assured of the availability of funds for the project and thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support for the FCT Administration.
Also responding to a request to provide a fire service station within the Body of Benchers complex, the Minister promised that the project would be included in the FCT’s 2025 budget.
He said: “You can take it for granted; by 2025, we are going to establish a fire service station within this complex. I want to assure the Body of Benchers that I will make you proud, and you will see a difference as far as governance is concerned.”
