Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, has criticised Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), for compromising the judiciary’s integrity by giving gifts to judges.
In September, Wike announced the construction of 40 houses for judges in Abuja, sparking outrage among Nigerians.
The residences were allocated to the FCT high court, federal high court, and court of appeal.
However, Wike denied building homes for judges in Abuja to influence them for political gains.
He claimed the construction of homes for judges is President Bola Tinubu’s policy, designed to promote the independence of the judiciary.
Reacting on Wednesday, Falana emphasized that the constitution grants financial autonomy to the judiciary, enabling budget management.
“The minister of the federal capital territory operates like a state governor by virtue of the section 299 of the Constitution,” Falana said.
Falana argued that Wike’s actions undermine the judiciary’s independence.
He stated that judges’ housing should be managed by the national judicial council, and executive assistance should go through the national assembly.
“If the executive wants to assist the judiciary, the appropriate approach is to go to the National Assembly. You can have a supplementary budget,” Falana said.
Falana emphasized that judges need houses, cars, and security, but these should be provided by the NJC within its budget.