Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has criticized the recent initiative by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to allocate housing to judges. In October, Wike launched a project to build 40 quarters for judges in Abuja’s Katampe District. This move has stirred controversy, with many questioning its ethical implications.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Falana argued that it is improper for the executive branch to provide such gifts to the judiciary. “The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates similarly to a state governor under Section 299 of the Constitution. He cannot simply declare that he will construct 40 houses and assign them to the federal high court, FCT high court, court of appeal, and supreme court,” Falana stated.
Falana explained that, like a governor, the FCT minister’s budget should be focused solely on FCT matters. “As the head of the FCT, you cannot distribute cars or houses to judges in federal courts, the court of appeal, or the supreme court,” he added. According to Falana, judges who may preside over cases involving the FCT administration should not receive gifts from the minister, as it undermines the principle of impartiality.
Falana emphasized that the Constitution provides financial independence to the judiciary, enabling it to manage its budget without relying on the executive for assets like cars and houses. He further criticized Wike’s recent demolition of private properties in the FCT, calling it “primitive” and an unlawful action. According to Falana, demolitions in the FCT must follow the procedures outlined in the Urban and Regional Planning Act, which requires cases to go before the Urban and Regional Planning Board, followed by possible appeals up to the High Court.
Responding to the criticism, Wike defended his actions on Wednesday, denying that the housing project for judges is a political maneuver. He explained that providing housing for judges was part of a broader initiative by President Bola Tinubu to support judicial independence. Wike clarified that this housing project was not his personal agenda but rather a welfare package designed by the president and included in the 2024 budget.
In a media chat, Wike said, “President Tinubu asked, ‘Where are the judges living? They have no homes, which makes them vulnerable to political manipulation. As a president committed to judicial independence, judges must have secure housing.’” Wike reiterated that he is merely carrying out his duty by implementing the project approved by the Federal Executive Council and passed in the 2024 budget.
Wike argued that the housing project should be commended, stating, “It was authorized by the president, sent to the National Assembly, and is now law. I am only executing the directive.” He rejected claims that the project is politically motivated, insisting, “The Federal Executive Council approved this contract, not me. Why criticize me for implementing a Federal Government-approved policy?”
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