Wike Defends Judicial Housing Projects, Accuses NBA of Hypocrisy
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed as “unfortunate” and “hypocritical” the criticisms of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) regarding the construction of luxury quarters for judges and justices in Abuja, insisting that the executive has a right to provide welfare infrastructure for the judiciary.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the nearly completed projects in the Katampe District on Friday, Wike argued that the NBA’s stance lacks consistency. He noted that while the association regularly seeks financial sponsorship from state governments for its conferences, it objects when the executive provides housing for judges.
“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” Wike queried.
The minister stated that providing decent housing for judicial officers is standard government practice that does not encroach on judicial independence. He noted that the legislature and judiciary have long benefited from government-built infrastructure.
In his most pointed remark, Wike took aim at NBA President Afam Osigwe, suggesting that the association head had “never said anything well” regarding the projects.
“The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary,” Wike declared.
The judicial housing scheme, which includes 40 residential units—20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court—is nearing completion. The minister expressed satisfaction with the judges’ quarters, describing them as well-furnished and 99 percent ready for inauguration, though he expressed displeasure with the finishing quality of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project, which he said required corrections.
The controversy began last Monday when NBA President Afam Osigwe criticized the executive’s involvement in providing housing for judges, arguing that it creates a “terrible perception” of closeness between the executive and judiciary, undermining public trust. The NBA insists that if judges need housing, funding should come from the judicial budget rather than politicians providing it as gifts.
Wike, however, remains defiant. He reiterated that the projects are a “voluntary act by government” aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers, and formed part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
The FCT Administration has expressed confidence that the projects will be inaugurated later this month as scheduled, with preparations for groundbreaking ceremonies for residences for judges of the Industrial Court and Code of Conduct Tribunal already underway.
