Criticism Mounts as FCT Minister Gifts Judges with Houses and Cars – Femi Falana Responds

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, challenges the gifting of houses and cars to judges, citing constitutional concerns and questioning judicial independence

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has raised concerns over the recent decision by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to gift judges with houses and cars. According to Falana, this practice compromises judicial independence and disregards the financial autonomy granted to the judiciary by the Nigerian Constitution. The lawyer argued that such gifts from the FCT minister to judges could undermine the perception of impartiality in judicial proceedings.

In October, the FCT minister initiated the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Abuja’s Katampe District, which immediately sparked debates and criticism. Many, including Falana, have voiced that it is inappropriate for an executive official to extend such benefits to members of the judiciary. Falana noted that by acting in this manner, the FCT minister, who is responsible for a budget dedicated to the capital territory, steps beyond his jurisdiction.

The constitutional lawyer elaborated on the implications of the FCT minister gifting judges, stating that an executive official should not be in a position to provide gifts to judges, particularly given that these judges may later preside over cases involving the government. Falana highlighted the constitutional provision that grants the judiciary the right to independently manage its budget, emphasizing that this autonomy is vital for maintaining judicial integrity.

Addressing this matter during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Falana explained that the FCT minister gifting judges is fundamentally against the principles of judicial independence. “As an executive officer akin to a state governor within the FCT, the minister’s role is confined to the capital’s affairs and does not extend to distributing benefits to judicial officers,” Falana said.

Falana further criticized the FCT minister’s handling of property demolitions in Abuja, describing the approach as lacking due process. According to him, the Urban and Regional Planning Act, which governs property regulations in the FCT, mandates a legal process for property demolition, including appeals through various boards and tribunals before any physical action is taken.

Wike Defends His Actions
Responding to the mounting backlash, Wike clarified that the housing project for judges was not initiated by him but is part of a broader welfare package set by President Bola Tinubu to support judicial independence. Wike explained that the construction of these residences was approved within the 2024 national budget and is aimed at providing judges with secure accommodations to prevent potential external influences.

During a recent media chat, the FCT minister reiterated that the homes for judges were a federal policy that he, as an appointed minister, was tasked with implementing. He emphasized that the approval and budget allocation for the construction project had passed through the National Assembly, and he is simply carrying out the government’s directives.