Femi Falana Criticizes FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s Provision of Housing for Judges
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has criticized the recent allocation of housing to judges by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. In October, Wike initiated the design and construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, Abuja, stirring debate and ethical concerns.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Falana argued that it is inappropriate for the executive to provide gifts, such as housing, to members of the judiciary, especially judges. “The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates like a state governor by virtue of section 299 of the Constitution,” Falana stated. “He cannot say, ‘I am going to build 40 houses, 10 shall go to the federal high court, 10 shall go to judges in the FCT high court, and 10 shall go to the court of appeal and supreme court, no.’”
Falana continued, “As the minister, your budget should be limited to FCT matters. You cannot, as the head of the FCT, be distributing gifts like cars and houses to judges in the federal high court, the appeal court, and the supreme court.” He highlighted that, given the principle of equality before the court, it is problematic for a government official with cases in these courts to be seen gifting judges with houses or cars.
Falana underscored that the judiciary’s financial independence is enshrined in the Constitution, granting it control over its budget and removing any need for judges to seek housing or car provisions from the executive.
The senior lawyer also condemned Wike’s approach to property demolitions within the FCT, calling it “primitive” and unlawful. He clarified that, under the Urban and Regional Planning Act, property issues must first go through the Urban and Regional Planning Board, with an option to appeal before any demolition orders can be issued.
Wike’s Response
In response, Wike denied that the judge housing project aimed to sway the judiciary, clarifying that the project is not his personal policy but rather a welfare initiative from President Bola Tinubu meant to uphold judicial independence. During a media chat, Wike explained that President Tinubu had raised concerns over the lack of housing for judges, making them vulnerable to political manipulation.
“I am not Mr. President; I’m merely carrying out my duties,” Wike explained, noting that the project was included in the 2024 budget. “(President Tinubu) said, ‘Where are the judges living? They have no homes and are open to political manipulation,’” Wike stated, adding that the policy, approved by both the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly, was appropriated in the budget and is now law.
