“How on earth is Wike a life bencher?” – Nigerian Lawyers Discuss FCT Minister’s Membership of Body of Benchers

Some Nigerian Lawyers in one of the lawyers Facebook group, named “Lawyers in Nigeria,”  entered into a heated discussion after a lawyer, Stephen Arinzechukwu Nwude, posed a striking question: “How on earth is Wike a life bencher?”

His inquiry opened a floodgate of sharp reactions, disbelief, and controversy among legal practitioners, many of whom expressed outrage, sarcasm, and frustration over the appointment of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a life member of the prestigious Body of Benchers (BOB).

One lawyer, Linda Wereyesigya, immediately resonated with the sentiment, remarking: “My thoughts exactly.” Others went further, painting a bleak picture of Nigeria’s justice system. Kalu Rowland blasted: “I’m still shocked. How a certificated drunk can be a life bencher? What a failed country.”

Spirit Spirit asked whether the appointment could not be withdrawn if done “in error,” while Harrison Edore simply exclaimed in disbelief: “What???? Is he really a Life Bencher???”

The thread quickly snowballed into fiery commentary, with Mustapha Ahmad Kastina lamenting: “No be Naija we dey? Very soon Dino and Osita Chidoka may join him.” F. Chinonso Chigbo described it as “one of the seven wonders of the 21st century.”

For Debriefer San, the appointment was simply “about the Benjamins”, while Rotr Dooyum Tarka countered with a factual defense, noting: “He singlehandedly built the entire BOB Complex.” Yet this was met with more cynicism, as Thomas Ebunka dismissed the system as “Cash and carry Benchers.”

In a biting critique, Victor Nwadigo ridiculed: “A man that has never moved a Motion…A Life Bencher? Na wa ooooo.” Samuel Ikeakaghichi Eduka called it “shameful, a slur and an aberration in perpetuity.”

However, amidst the torrent of criticism, Uchenna Onyeoguzoro offered a rare voice of balance, defending Wike’s place. According to him, Wike had a stint in practice, received mentorship in drafting and motions, and as a Governor, held a portfolio significant enough to justify appointment. He argued: “If we are to be honest, that man has done more for the legal profession than most life benchers. So why can’t he be one?”

Still, many lawyers weren’t convinced. Agochi Ubojiekere Amadi quipped: “Nigeria. Money can buy anything,” while Korede Rhiogbere blamed corruption, saying: “It’s all about money and the far-reaching influence of corruption in every facet of the society.”

In perhaps the most cutting sarcasm, Dare Lomolafe declared: “How not when he owns the bench?” and Abubakar Tukur concluded: “For the highest bidder…a fool can be made a king at times.”

The exchange captures a deepening discontent within the Bar over how honorary and prestigious positions are conferred in Nigeria’s legal profession. While some see Wike’s life benchership as a reward for his contributions to the Bar, many others view it as the latest example of money, politics, and influence overshadowing merit.