Inibehe Effiong Urges Lawyers, Judges To Guard Courts Against Wike’s Influence
Nigerian human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called on the legal community to safeguard the judiciary from potential manipulation by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. Effiong’s remarks, made on Thursday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), were in response to fellow human rights lawyer Femi Falana’s recent comments regarding Wike’s provision of houses and cars to judges.
Falana voiced concerns on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he argued that it is improper for members of the executive, particularly the minister, to offer material gifts to the judiciary. He stressed that such actions could compromise judicial independence and raise ethical questions.
The issue has sparked public debate since Wike announced the construction of 40 residential quarters for judges in Abuja’s Katampe District. Critics argue that the move, while supportive of the judiciary’s welfare, may influence judicial impartiality and appear as an overreach by the executive branch.
In his post, Effiong supported Falana’s stance, remarking, “This is supposed to be elementary. Lawyers and judges in Nigeria should find a way to insulate our courts from Wike’s manipulation and grip.”
The statement has further fueled the ongoing discourse about maintaining the judiciary’s autonomy and integrity in Nigeria amidst rising concerns over executive influence.
