Wike Refutes Allegations Of Executive Interference In Judiciary Infrastructure

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has refuted allegations suggesting that the government’s provision of infrastructure for the judiciary constitutes executive interference.

Wike made this known during a flag-off ceremony for the design, construction, and furnishing of an annex office for the Body of Benchers in Abuja on Friday.

He emphasised that the FCT Administration is similarly tasked with providing facilities for the National Assembly, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in national progress.

“Currently, the Federal Capital Territory is responsible for providing the official residence for the legislature and constructing the new National Assembly complex.

“Ultimately, these projects will be handed over to the respective arms of government for management, which is focused on fostering development rather than interference,” he said.

The minister revealed that the annex office for the Body of Benchers is part of the FCT’s 2023 supplementary budget, which received approval from President Bola Tinubu and was passed by the National Assembly.

“This initiative, part of the supplementary budget signed by Mr. President on November 8, 2023, is fully transparent,” he stated.

Wike assured stakeholders that the project would be completed within the proposed 10-month timeframe. He also announced plans to construct residential accommodations for lecturers at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, which has already received presidential approval.

In response to a request from Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Wike pledged to include a fire station for the area in the FCT’s 2025 budget.

Earlier, Awomolo had thanked President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their dedication to enhancing infrastructure for the judiciary, the Nigerian Law School, and the Body of Benchers.

He noted the mutual dependence of the three government branches, stating, “No arm of government is adequately equipped to fulfill its constitutional duties independently.

“Support and collaboration from the Executive are essential and do not compromise the independence of other branches.”