…Describes Allegations of Judicial Compromise As Mere Distraction
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, conducted a comprehensive inspection of key judicial infrastructure and urban aesthetic projects across the Abuja city centre.
The Minister’s tour included the new Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, the expansive Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, the residential quarters for Heads of Court in Asokoro, and the ongoing remodeling of the Abuja City Gate.gates
Addressing journalists shortly after the inspection, the Minister expressed overall satisfaction with the quality of work across the project sites and the commitment of the contractors to meeting the established timelines.
According to a statement by the Deputy Director, Press, Office of the Minister, Rabi Musa Umar, the minister noted that the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division at Dakibiyu has reached the finishing stage and expressed confidence that the facility would be inaugurated as part of the activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third year in office.
The Minister also stated that the Judges’ Quarters, which comprises 10 duplexes for the Federal High Court, 20 for the FCT High Court, and 10 for the Court of Appeal was at its final stages and would be handed over by the end of May.
He however disclosed that the adjoining lands at the Judges Quarters in Katampe, which were yet to be developed, have been acquired by the FCT Administration and would be used to provide official accommodation for the National Industrial Court.
"We also felt that we are going to take over adjoining lands for security reasons to ensure that those living within the quarters are identifiable. We are also looking to build the National Industrial Court quarters around that same area”.
The Minister who also inspected the exclusive residential quarters for the Heads of Courts in Asokoro, including accommodations for the Chief Judge of the FCT, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court said these high-profile residences were slated for completion by October 2026.
Speaking on the remodeling of the Abuja City Gate project, the Minister credited the vision for the project to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and noted that the new design will feature a water fountain that will reflect the 36 states and the FCT. He added that it will create a landmark that will enhance the city's entrance and boost the tourism potential of the nation’s capital.
“This was initiated by the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to see how we can remodel the city gate. We thank her for the vision... people can come and take pictures and that’s what really will change the landscape of this area. It will be inaugurated by her during the third year in office of Mr. President”, the Minister stated.
Addressing critics who suggest that providing housing for the judiciary was an attempt by the executive to compromise judicial independence, Barr. Wike dismissed the allegations as baseless and a product of idle minds. He reminded the public that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has historically built infrastructure for all arms of government, including the National Assembly and INEC, stressing that what is happening in the FCT was nothing new.
In the words of the Minister, “That is the thinking of people who have nothing to do. Who funds the judiciary? Is it not through the executive? All the courts, even the National Assembly, were built by the FCDA. We are doing nothing that is new. We are focused and we will not be distracted. If we provide funds to them without carrying out this, will it also be influencing them? There is nothing that you will do that people will not criticize.”