I’m Simply Carrying Out President Tinubu’s Directive On Building Houses For Judges; It Is Not Personal Decision, Says Wike

Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister, has clarified that building houses for judges in Abuja is part of President Bola Tinubu’s policy to strengthen judicial independence.

Wike emphasized that he is merely implementing the president’s directive, not making a personal decision.

The initiative aims to provide secure and permanent housing for judges, currently living in rented accommodations, to shield them from political manipulation.

Wike cited President Tinubu’s concern: “Where are the judges living? They have no homes, and that makes them vulnerable to political manipulation”.

The project is part of the 2024 national budget, approved by the National Assembly and assented to by President Tinubu. The Federal Executive Council also greenlit the construction of judges’ quarters.

Wike claimed that the project was part of the 2024 national budget and that his role is to oversee its implementation.

He said, “President Tinubu asked, ‘Where are the judges living? They have no homes, and that makes them vulnerable to political manipulation. As a president who values judicial independence, I believe judges must have their own homes.’”

Wike questioned why Nigerians, particularly those in the legal profession, are criticizing the project. He believes it should be seen as a positive step to protect judicial integrity and independence.

As a former governor of Rivers State, Wike noted that he had undertaken similar initiatives to support the judiciary.