By George Omagbemi Sylvester
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended the housing scheme for judicial officers constructed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), dismissing claims that the initiative could undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President spoke at the commissioning of 20 housing units for judges of the FCT High Court in Katampe District, Abuja. He described the project as part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through improved welfare and infrastructure.
Tinubu insisted that providing decent accommodation for judicial officers is a constitutional responsibility of the Executive and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to influence the judiciary.
According to him, quality housing enhances the security, dignity and peace of mind of judges, enabling them to perform their constitutional duties without fear or undue pressure.
He argued that if building homes for judges is viewed as interference, then similar support for institutions such as the Nigerian Law School would also be unfairly criticised.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed that he would seek presidential approval for the newly completed judges’ quarters to be allocated under an owner-occupier policy, allowing beneficiaries to eventually own the homes.
Wike also announced plans to construct an additional 20 housing units for FCT High Court judges and complete three new court complexes before the end of Tinubu’s first term in office.
Leave a Reply