President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended the construction of residential quarters for judicial officers by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), dismissing claims that the initiative could undermine the independence of the judiciary.
The President, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), spoke during the inauguration of 20 housing units built for judges of the FCT High Court in Katampe District, Abuja.
Tinubu described the project as part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through improved welfare, infrastructure and enhanced working conditions.
Responding to criticisms that the housing scheme could amount to executive interference, the President argued that providing decent accommodation for judicial officers should not be viewed as an attempt to influence the judiciary.
He noted that similar concerns were not raised when staff quarters were constructed for lecturers at the Nigerian Law School, insisting that infrastructure projects aimed at improving welfare should not be misconstrued.
According to him, the housing initiative is separate from the judiciary’s statutory funding and does not affect its financial or institutional independence.
Tinubu stressed that providing secure and comfortable accommodation for judges would enable them to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear, pressure or distraction.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed that he would seek presidential approval to allow beneficiaries of the newly completed houses to own them under an owner-occupier arrangement.
He said the proposal had already received the backing of the Attorney-General and expressed optimism that the President would approve it.
Wike also announced plans to construct an additional 20 housing units for judges of the FCT High Court before the end of Tinubu’s first term, noting that the current project could not accommodate all judicial officers.
The minister further revealed that three new court complexes for judges and magistrates would be completed before the end of the year to strengthen the administration of justice in the Federal Capital Territory.
He also dismissed allegations circulating on social media that he illegally acquired land in Abuja, explaining that the land used for the judges’ estate was lawfully recovered from Julius Berger after remaining undeveloped for more than three decades.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, described the housing project as a major boost to judicial independence, maintaining that the welfare of judicial officers is essential to preserving the integrity, security and effectiveness of the judiciary.
