‘I’m Just the Implementer’: Wike Defends Judges’ Quarters Project as Tinubu’s Vision for Judicial Independence

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied allegations that the construction of residential quarters for judges in Abuja is aimed at influencing the judiciary for political advantages.

Wike clarified that the project is part of a broader welfare initiative approved by President Bola Tinubu to support judicial independence.

During a media chat on Wednesday, Wike emphasized that the project was approved as part of the 2024 budget, and he is simply tasked with implementing it, not crafting it as personal policy.

“(Tinubu said) ‘Where are the judges living? They have no homes and therefore open to political manipulation, and for me as a president who wants to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, judges must have their homes,’” Wike explained, attributing the motivation directly to President Tinubu’s vision for an independent judiciary.

“I am not Mr. President; I am only lucky to be appointed as a minister under this administration and am in the position to implement his policies,” Wike continued.

“Mr. President said, look, this is what he wants, come up and see what we can do.”

Wike further noted that the National Assembly had also endorsed the project in the 2024 budget, which has been approved as law.

“It was approved by Mr. President, sent to the National Assembly in the 2024 budget that there should be construction of judges and Justices quarters… A policy anybody should commend Mr. President for; it is in the budget of 2024, appropriated by the National Assembly, assented to by Mr. President, which is a law,” he said.

“I am only the implementer. Go and implement this.”

Wike also highlighted that the Federal Executive Council has approved the contract, reiterating that it was not his personal agenda.

“It is not my policy; how will you now want to kill me that I am implementing what the Federal Government approved?” he asked rhetorically.

Reflecting on his experience as the former governor of Rivers State, Wike argued that providing accommodations for judges is a commendable move. He expressed disappointment at the backlash, particularly from those within the legal profession, and noted that similar initiatives in Rivers State had been well-received.