Tinubu Inaugurates 20 Judges’ Quarters In Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence through sustained investment in infrastructure, declaring that judges can only dispense justice effectively when they work and live in secure, dignified and conducive environments.

Represented by the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), the President spoke yesterday at the commissioning of the newly completed 20-unit residential quarters for judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Katampe District, Abuja.

The project is the latest in a series of judicial infrastructure initiatives executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under FCT minister, Nyesom Wike as part of activities marking Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Describing the event as the 26th day of continuous commissioning of projects in the FCT, Tinubu said the housing project was not merely the unveiling of another public facility but a deliberate investment in one of the most critical institutions of democracy.

“Today’s event is not merely the unveiling of another building. It is a testament to a deliberate and sustained commitment to strengthening one of the vital pillars of our democracy, that is, the judiciary,” he said.

The President recalled that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, his administration pledged to rebuild public institutions, restore confidence in governance and strengthen the rule of law.

“When we embarked on the Renewed Hope Agenda three years ago, we promised to rebuild institutional trust, secure our nation and ensure that the rule of law is neither compromised nor delayed.

“Today, with the commissioning of these 20 units of FCT High Court Judges’ Quarters, we take another definitive, tangible step towards fulfilling that promise,” he stated.

Tinubu noted that the project forms part of a wider programme that has already delivered 10 residential units each for judges of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, as well as accommodation for staff of the Nigerian Law School.

He added that construction had also commenced on residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Responding to criticisms that the provision of official residences for judges could compromise judicial independence, the President dismissed the claims as unfounded.

“I am aware of media commentary suggesting that the FCT Administration’s provision of judges’ quarters is intended to exert improper influence on the judiciary. I ask simply, did those same critics level that charge against the staff quarters recently commissioned for lecturers of the Nigerian Law School?” he queried.

According to him, the projects have no connection with the judiciary’s budget, which remains intact, but are intervention programmes aimed at improving the welfare and efficiency of judicial officers.

“The real question is what kind of influence these facilities are meant to inspire. Comfort frees our judicial officers to focus on their solemn duties, preserve the rule of law, adjudicate without discomfort, and enjoy the fulfillment and security that allow them to give their very best to the nation,” he said.

He stressed that judicial independence extends beyond constitutional guarantees.

“We often speak of judicial independence in abstract terms, but independent thinking requires an independent and secure environment. We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their basic comfort, security and peace of mind are left to chance,” he said.

The President commended FCT Minister, Wike for transforming Abuja through the execution of critical infrastructure projects.

“Transforming Abuja into a capital that reflects our national ambition is a demanding task. Through steady execution and close attention to detail, the Honourable Minister and his team have turned plans into structures that serve our judges, our citizens and the future of this city,” he said.

He also praised the cordial relationship between the executive and the judiciary, describing it as a model of cooperation for national development.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Tinubu urged the judges to remain steadfast in their constitutional responsibilities.

“As we provide infrastructure to make your lives easier and your service safer, we only ask in return for your unwavering commitment to the swift, fair and transparent dispensation of justice, not favour for government undeservedly. Let these quarters be centres of deep reflection, integrity and honour,” he said.

Earlier, In his welcome address, Wike said the housing project fulfilled one of President Tinubu’s key directives aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary through improved welfare and security for judicial officers.

According to him, the President had specifically instructed him and the Attorney-General after their appointments to prioritise the welfare of judges.

“When we were nominated as ministers, Mr. President invited the Honourable Attorney-General and my humble self and made it clear that one of our major responsibilities was to strengthen the independence of the judiciary by improving the welfare and security of judicial officers,” Wike said.

He explained that many judges currently reside in unsecured neighbourhoods where even litigants and criminal suspects could easily identify their homes.

“You go to most places where our judges are living, and you don’t even know whether they are living around armed robbers or even people whose cases they are handling. It has been the directive of Mr. President that something has to be done.”

Wike said the FCTA had already completed houses for judges of the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court and was now delivering accommodation for FCT High Court judges.

He assured that the intervention would continue. “We are not going to stop here. Before the end of the year, we will hand over three court complexes for judges and magistrates. Before the end of Mr. President’s first term, we would have gone far in constructing 20 more houses for judges of the FCT.”

The minister disclosed that he would seek presidential approval to allow beneficiaries own the houses under an owner-occupier arrangement.

“With the support of the Attorney-General, approval will be obtained,” he said.

He urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities properly, warning against allowing government investments to deteriorate through poor maintenance.

Wike also dismissed recent allegations circulating on social media that he had acquired land illegally, saying the land used for the project was lawfully recovered from Julius Berger in the overriding public interest after remaining undeveloped for more than three decades.

“When you are determined to do the right thing, people will always criticise you. But we must remain focused and continue to do our work,” he said.