The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for its practice of publicly denouncing Supreme Court judgements without adequate review, highlighting a perceived double standards in how financial contributions are accepted.
Wike made this known in a recent meeting with members of the Body of Benchers at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
He described it as unacceptable for one organisation to receive support without scrutiny while another faces criticism for similar efforts, urging a unified stand on maintaining judicial integrity.
Wike voiced concern over the treatment of judges, lamenting their isolation due to fears of corruption allegations.
“We have scared of our judges to a point that a judge is going to mosque or church, he cannot greet somebody he knows; he runs away, before he will shake hands with somebody, and people start saying he collected bride. We cannot continue this way.
“Everything is politics, religion and ethnicity in this country. We must tell ourselves the simple truth. We cannot sit and shut our eyes and see individuals, for whatever interest, to kill this profession. It is not acceptable.
“If you do not discipline somebody, nobody will learn any lesson. We shall no longer allow our profession to be pulled down,” Wike said.
The minister announced plans to build male and female hostels at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, pending budget approval.
He also assured that staff housing projects for legal education would be completed and handed over to the Council of Legal Education.
Additionally, Wike revealed plans to provide 20 more houses for FCTA court staff and to digitize the FCT High Court to modernise legal processes.
Wike affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the legal profession in Nigeria, urging lawyers to uphold discipline and integrity and stressing the importance of ethical conduct within the judiciary.
He clarified that the government’s support for the legal sector aims to improve legal education and court efficiency without interfering in judicial processes.
“The president has said that whatever we do to make sure that the judiciary is effective and efficient in carrying out its obligations should be done,” he stated.
The minister attributed the construction of the Body of Benchers Annex Complex to budgetary approvals from President Tinubu and the National Assembly, insisting that appropriated funds were not solely his decision as FCT Minister and that accountability is paramount in all transactions involving legal funds.
While addressing concerns over revoked lands, Wike warned that organisations such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) could lose their properties if payments were not made soon.
Earlier, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the vhairman of the Body of Benchers, commended President Tinubu and praised Wike for his dedication to the legal profession, both in the FCT and during his time as governor of Rivers State.
“Whatever you do, we are watching. Thank you, Sir, for being a good ambassador,” Awomolo expressed, encouraging Wike to continue his efforts in national development.
