The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has refuted allegations suggesting that the recent construction of homes for judges in Abuja is a strategy to influence or “pocket” judges for political gain.
He clarified that this housing initiative is not his personal policy but rather part of a welfare program envisioned by President Bola Tinubu to strengthen judicial independence.
In a media chat on Wednesday, Wike explained that the project was included in the 2024 budget, which he is now tasked with implementing. He emphasized that the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring judges’ independence by providing them with suitable accommodations.
According to Wike, the President’s concern was that the judges’ current living conditions, which often involve renting houses within communities, could make them susceptible to undue political influence. By providing them with dedicated quarters, Tinubu aimed to safeguard the judiciary’s independence.
Wike added, “I am not the President; I’m simply fortunate to serve as a minister in this administration and have been assigned to execute the President’s policies. President Tinubu reviewed the situation, identified the lack of secure housing for judges, and directed that we address it through this project.”
He further elaborated that the plan to build quarters for judges was not only endorsed by the President but also included in the 2024 budget, approved by the National Assembly, and signed into law by the President. He stated, “It was signed into law by the President, and my role is simply to carry out this mandate. So, why am I being criticized for implementing an officially approved government project?”
Wike pointed out that even if the idea had originated with him, he saw no fault in supporting the judiciary’s welfare. Reflecting on his tenure as Rivers State governor, he noted that he had launched similar projects to benefit the judiciary there as well.
Wike expressed disappointment at the backlash, especially from legal professionals, who, he believed, should have commended this step to enhance judicial independence instead of criticizing it.
