Wike: Controversy Trails Housing Project for Nigerian Judges Amid Hardship

Reactions from various quarters in Nigeria have trailed the decision by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to construct 40 housing units in Katampe District, Abuja, for judges.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the 40 housing units are intended for judicial officers of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and FCT High Court. Wike stated that 70% of the project’s budget, which includes furnishing, has already been provided, and the contractor is expected to deliver the project within 15 months.

The minister explained that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that the administration is committed to ensuring judicial independence through improved welfare packages and working conditions.

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According to Wike, housing is a crucial factor in safeguarding judicial officers from interference and manipulation by the executive and legislative arms of government.

“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere with their duties. When you have a home, what are you afraid of? When you know that salaries and allowances will be paid when you retire, and your tenure of office is guaranteed, anyone would be firm and courageous in performing their duties,” he said.

Wike further stated that President Tinubu has emphasized the need for practical steps to ensure judicial independence:
“Mr. President said we must at all times provide housing. But that can only be better if you have an owner-occupier system, so every judge will know that at the end of their tenure, they have their own home,” Wike added.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has criticized the move, urging the FCT Minister and state governors to stop providing houses and cars to judges.

According to SERAP, such actions undermine the authority and responsibilities of the National Judicial Council (NJC). In a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP warned that it would consider legal action to compel compliance with constitutional provisions safeguarding judicial independence.

“Politicians ought to keep their hands off the judiciary and respect its integrity and independence. Undermining the principle of separation of powers risks limiting the judiciary’s ability to act as a check on the executive,” SERAP said.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) labeled the initiative a blatant example of the executive’s political capture of the judiciary. In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA called on the National Assembly to enact laws prohibiting judges from receiving such perks.

“This is a dangerous precedent. When judges are given land and houses by the executive, it creates conflicts of interest that compromise their independence,” HURIWA said, adding that the judiciary must remain the last hope of the common man and not a tool for political manipulation.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) argued that the initiative is unconstitutional. He explained that the FCT Minister, akin to a state governor under Section 299 of the Constitution, lacks the authority to provide such gifts to judicial officers.

“The minister cannot allocate houses to judges of the Federal High Court, FCT High Court, or Court of Appeal. His budget is limited to the affairs of the FCT, and such actions raise questions of equality before the court,” Falana said.

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The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, also condemned the initiative, accusing Wike of trying to curry favor with the judiciary. He stated that judicial officers have their own budget to address housing needs and called for judges to reject the offer.

“Even though Wike claims it is not an inducement, accepting such gifts raises public suspicion and compromises judicial integrity,” Ifoh stated.

Abuja-based human rights lawyer Maxwell Opkara described the initiative as a misplaced priority, highlighting the lack of basic amenities like potable water and classrooms in some parts of the FCT. He accused the minister of attempting to manipulate the judiciary.

“How can you use funds meant for FCT development to build houses for judges, while some communities in Abuja lack essential services? This is a misuse of public resources,” Opkara stated.

The decision to build houses for judges has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing that it undermines judicial independence and sets a dangerous precedent. While the government frames the initiative as a step towards enhancing judicial welfare, many believe it risks eroding public confidence in the judiciary’s impartiality.