Wike Defends Judges’ Housing Project, Cites FCDA Mandate

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the construction of official residences for judges in Abuja, insisting that providing housing for public officers is a statutory responsibility of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and not an attempt to influence the judiciary.

Wike made the clarification during his monthly media chat on Monday while responding to criticism that trailed the allocation of newly built houses to judges and justices in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to him, similar interventions have been carried out by successive administrations, including during the military era, stressing that the project should not be misconstrued as inducement or interference in judicial independence.

“We built for the Federal High Court. If you saw the Federal High Court before, we said this is not befitting,” he said.

Addressing concerns that the gesture could compromise judicial independence, the minister dismissed the allegation, insisting that government has a responsibility to provide decent accommodation for judicial officers.

“You saw what we did as a state for the judges… If the judge mentions we have a residence, or you talk about financial support, we give,” Wike stated.

He further argued that claims of inducement were unfounded, insisting his record in office has not been associated with interference in judicial outcomes.

“As I came out as governor, I have not been hearing about judgements against me. So all this talk of inducement, people who don’t have anything to say should not make us not do what we are supposed to do,” he said.

Wike also urged public institutions and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to maintain independence and objectivity in their engagement with government.

“The NBA is supposed to be a voice to criticise government, is it not? Therefore, the NBA should have an independent view,” he said.

“But what about the situation where NBA wants to question you and then goes to government to beg for money? In that case, would you have an independent view again?” he queried.

Reiterating his position, Wike maintained that the housing scheme falls squarely within the mandate of the FCDA.

“It is the duty of FCDA to provide housing for public officers in this city. It is not the first time. Even under the military, that is our job,” he said.

“That Supreme Court was given by FCDA. That National Assembly was given by FCDA. So let us not send to the public what is not correct,” he added.

The minister also disclosed that the FCT Administration would soon flag off major road projects, including the Madaki–Zuba Road and the Southern Parkway, to be executed by CGC Nigeria Limited.

The comments come amid public debate over the judges’ housing project, with critics questioning the propriety of government constructing residences for judicial officers who preside over cases involving the state.

However, the FCT Administration maintained that the project was approved by the federal government as part of efforts to improve the welfare and security of judicial officers.

The project comprises 40 residential units in Katampe District, Abuja, including 20 houses for judges of the FCT High Court, 10 for judges of the Federal High Court, and 10 for justices of the Court of Appeal.

Government officials said the initiative was necessary because some judicial officers were living in rented apartments and hotels, which they described as unsuitable for their status and security requirements.