Justices should be shielded from manipulation, says Wike

These are the best of times for judicial officers. The Federal Government yesterday laid the foundation for the construction of housing units (Judges Quarters) in Abuja.

It is part of the government’s bigger plan to protect the judiciary from all forms of manipulation and interference in their duties.

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike who spoke yesterday during the turning of sod for the new houses in Katampe District of the FCT, said the quarters which will contain 40 houses for different categories of judges have a completion timeline of 15 months.

Expressing the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve on the living conditions of judges, Wike spoke on the administration’s preference for the independence of the Judiciary.

He said: “Mr. President had always said: how do we work for the independence of the Judiciary? How can the Judiciary be independent? And he has always said, one of the things that guarantees the independence of the judiciary is one, the tenure of judicial officers.

“Just like what the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General said, the president has done that by amending the constitution to see all judicial officers at least retire at the age of 70.

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“Mr. President has also said, the conditions of service are critical to the independence of the judiciary. If you want to insulate the Judiciary from manipulation, from interference of either the Legislature or the executive, what is important is the conditions of service, one which has to do with their remuneration.

“Of course, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General has said that one of the first things that Mr. President did was to amend the salaries and allowances of judicial officers in 2024, which was just assented to by Mr. President. That, of course, is to give them hope. It is to make sure that the allowances and salaries are up to the level that they can say yes or no.

“Another condition of service that is very, very critical in insulating the Judiciary from interference is housing – as every man needs housing, so also judicial officers.

“Mr. President said, ‘listen, it is not every time we talk about who supports the independence of the judiciary. We must show it in practice. We must show in action that we were indeed not saying so, but we are doing so’.

“People can see that we are seriously doing that and Mr. President said, we must, at all times, provide Housing, but that can only be better if you have an owner-occupier. And so, every judge will know that at the end of the day, as he or she is retiring from office, he or she has a home.

“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere. When you have a home, what are you afraid of? When you know that salaries and allowances can be paid when you are retired, when you know that your tenure of office is guaranteed, then you will be firm. Anybody would be courageous to do his work or her work. And that is what Mr President, his legal agenda, is doing, not merely talking, but showing in action.”

The CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun lauded the FCT minister over the proposed accommodation for judicial officers.

She noted that judicial officers must have the right tools and environments to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality and integrity.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said: “This is for judicial officers of the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, and the FCT High Court. This is indeed a very significant milestone in the continuous effort of the Federal Government and the FCT Administration to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the FCT.

“The judiciary plays a critical role in safeguarding the rule of law, opposing justice and protecting the rights of citizens.

“In fulfilling this rule, judicial officers must have the right tools and environments to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality and integrity.

“Beyond the court rule, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to the ability to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them. Judicial officers require peace of mind, security and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.

“The construction of these residences is a practical step towards ensuring that judicial officers are well supported.

“It goes beyond addressing the basic need for housing. It reflects the recognition that the mental and emotional well-being of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions. These homes will provide a secure and tranquil environment, enabling the judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus, efficiency and clarity of mind.

“The judiciary, as an independent arm of government, must be equipped with the resources necessary to function optimally. While judicial officers are committed to upholding the rule of law, the provision of appropriate residential accommodation is a critical component of their welfare.”

The CJN described the project being undertaking by the FCT Administration as a demonstration reflection of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) on the welfare of judicial officers.

She said: “This initiative is an essential part of creating an enabling environment for the judiciary to discharge its constitutional duties effectively. I am confident that this project will be executed to the highest standards and completed within the expected time frame.

“The timely completion of these residences will further enhance the capacity of our judicial officers to serve with dedication and commitment to justice.

“As we mark the beginning of this project today, I hope that it serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that those who serve in the judiciary are given the respect and support they deserve.

“The ability of judicial officers to perform their functions is strengthened when their well-being is prioritized and their work environment is conducive.

“We are extremely grateful for the demonstration not only of commitment but of action by the handing over of the Certificates of Occupancy (CofOs) to the heads of courts, who are having residences built for them”.

Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud thanked the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the CJN Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as well as other members of the Federal Executive Council “for their continued support for our initiatives.”