Wike Under Scrutiny Over House Gifts for Judges

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike in November 2024 announced a plan to construct 40 housing units in Abuja's Katampe District for judges.

This initiative aimed to improve the welfare and independence of judicial officers from the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and FCT High Court. Wike emphasized that providing housing was crucial for ensuring judicial autonomy and preventing interference from other government branches.

The proposal has sparked massive controversy and criticism. Critics argue that such gifts could compromise judicial independence by creating potential conflicts of interest.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, pointed out that the FCT Minister, akin to a state governor, should not allocate resources beyond his jurisdiction, especially when these resources could be perceived as influencing judges who might preside over cases involving the minister. Falana stated, "Because you are a minister of the Federal Government like a state governor your budget is limited to the affairs of the FCT."

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have both condemned the move. SERAP accused Wike and state governors of overstepping the National Judicial Council's authority, threatening legal action to prevent such practices.

HURIWA labeled the initiative as a political strategy to capture the judiciary, urging the National Assembly to legislate against judges receiving such perks. HURIWA emphasized, "This is a dangerous precedent. When judges are given lands and houses by the executive, a conflict of interest compromises their independence."

Critics suggest that the judiciary should rely on its budgetary allocations to meet its needs, rather than accepting gifts from the executive branch. Maxwell Okpara, an Abuja-based human rights lawyer, questioned the financial prudence of the project, highlighting unmet basic needs in the FCT, such as potable water and school classrooms. He queried, "How can you use money meant for the development of the FCT for another project off your jurisdiction?"