Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has condemned the gifting of houses to judges by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The controversy stems from Wike’s October announcement to begin the construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in Abuja’s Katampe District, a move many have criticized as ethically questionable.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Falana argued that it is improper for the executive branch to provide such gifts to members of the judiciary, particularly judges.
He emphasized that the minister, in his capacity as an FCT minister, cannot allocate resources for judges of federal courts like the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, as this could undermine judicial independence.
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates like a state governor, so he cannot just gift 40 houses to judges from different courts,” Falana said.
“This practice violates the principle of equality before the court, especially when the executive branch is involved in cases before these courts.”
Falana also highlighted the constitutional autonomy granted to the judiciary, which he argued should prevent judges from relying on the executive for housing or other gifts. He further criticized Wike’s recent demolitions of private properties in the FCT, calling them “primitive” and illegal, as they bypass legal procedures outlined in the Urban and Regional Planning Act.
In defense of the project, Wike responded to the criticism on Wednesday, insisting that the building of judges’ homes was not his initiative, but part of a broader policy put forward by President Bola Tinubu to ensure the judiciary’s independence.
Wike stated that the project, which was approved in the 2024 budget, is designed to eliminate judges’ reliance on rented accommodations, reducing the potential for political manipulation.
“This is not my policy,” Wike said. “It is part of President Tinubu’s welfare package for judges to ensure their independence. The project was approved by the president and the National Assembly. I’m merely implementing it.”
Wike further stressed that the construction of the judges’ quarters was part of a larger plan to enhance judicial welfare and security, and dismissed claims of ulterior motives behind the policy. The project, he argued, was a necessary step to safeguard the judiciary from external pressures.
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