Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has voiced strong opposition to the recent allocation of homes and cars to judges by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Falana, speaking on Channels Television, argued that the practice compromises judicial independence and raises potential conflicts of interest, particularly as the judiciary holds financial autonomy under the Constitution.
According to Falana, the FCT Minister’s decision to distribute housing to various judges goes beyond the purview of his role. “Operating as a state governor under Section 299 of the Constitution, the FCT Minister should be limited to managing FCT-related matters,” he stated. He further emphasized that gifting resources to judges who may hear cases involving the FCT’s minister or government creates an imbalance, undermining the principle of judicial equality and impartiality.
Falana noted that the Constitution explicitly ensures financial independence for the judiciary, granting it the autonomy to manage its own resources, thereby eliminating reliance on the executive branch for assets like housing and transportation. “Judges should not be placed in a position where they need to rely on the executive for essential provisions,” he added.
The FCT Minister, however, defended the initiative, asserting that it is part of a broader welfare program endorsed by President Bola Tinubu to support judicial independence. Wike explained that the project, incorporated into the 2024 budget and approved by the National Assembly, aims to enhance the judiciary’s autonomy by relocating judges from rented accommodations in less secure neighborhoods. He dismissed criticisms that the housing project is politically motivated, clarifying that he is merely implementing a federal policy as instructed by the President.
Falana also expressed concerns over Wike’s approach to property demolitions within the FCT, calling the measures “primitive” and unlawful. He pointed out that demolitions must first go through the Urban and Regional Planning Board, which offers property owners an appeals process to ensure fair legal recourse. Wike, in response, maintained that the housing project for judges was established to protect judicial integrity, not to influence court rulings.
