Minister Wike has dismissed allegations of attempting to influence the judiciary with a housing scheme for judges, clarifying that the initiative was approved by President Tinubu as a measure to enhance judicial independence.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the construction of houses for judges in Abuja, clarifying that the project is not his personal initiative but a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at promoting judicial independence.
In a statement addressing recent criticisms, Wike stated, “This is not my personal decision. President Tinubu introduced this as a welfare policy to ensure our judges have stable living conditions. The President asked, ‘Where are the judges living? They have no homes, and that makes them vulnerable to political manipulation.’ As a president committed to a strong and independent judiciary, he believes judges must have homes of their own.”
The housing project, intended to provide residences for judges and justices in the FCT, was included in the 2024 national budget, which received approval from the National Assembly and was signed into law by President Tinubu. Wike emphasized that his role is simply to implement the President’s directive, adding, “This project is in the 2024 budget, appropriated by the National Assembly, and assented to by Mr. President. What is the problem? I am only the implementor.”
In September 2024, the Federal Executive Council greenlit the construction of 40 housing units within Abuja’s Katampe District. The units are to be allocated among various judicial institutions, with 20 units for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Federal High Court, and 10 for the Court of Appeal. The development, estimated to be completed within 15 months, is a strategic move designed to ensure that judicial officers have access to stable housing, thus reducing their susceptibility to undue influence.
Wike’s response highlights his commitment to executing national policies aimed at empowering the judiciary and advancing President Tinubu’s vision of judicial independence.
