Judges
President Bola Tinubu yesterday defended the housing scheme for judicial officers, constructed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), dismissing as misplaced the suggestions that the initiative could compromise the independence of the judiciary.
In another development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike disclosed plans to seek presidential approval for beneficiaries of the newly completed judges’ quarters to own the houses under an owner-occupier arrangement.
The president, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), spoke at the commissioning of 20 housing units for judges of the FCT High Court in Katampe District, Abuja, describing the project as another milestone in the administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through improved welfare and infrastructure.
Tinubu said the commissioning formed part of a broader programme aimed at reinforcing the rule of law by providing secure and dignified accommodation for judicial officers across the country.
Responding to the alleged executive interference in the judiciary, Tinubu asked the critics to level the same charge against the staff quarters recently commissioned for lecturers of the Nigerian Law School.
He added: “If every act of infrastructural provision is to be read as a corrupting influence, then even decent housing for our law lecturers will fall under this suspicion. That cannot be a fair standard.”
The president insisted that the housing projects were intervention programmes that had no bearing on the statutory budget or financial independence of the judiciary. According to him, quality accommodation would enhance the security, comfort and peace of mind of judicial officers, enabling them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear or distraction.
“We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their basic comfort, security and peace of mind are left to chance. True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers,” Tinubu said.
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