By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome Wike on Monday flagged -off the construction of residencies of the Heads of Courts, Presidents of Courts of Appeal and Industrial Court and Chief Judges of Federal and FCT High Courts.
Wike said that the presidential gesture was to ensure that judges own their houses where they can be comfortable to live and be able to discharge their duties instead of living in rented houses or with their relatives.
“I want to make it clear that what we are doing today is not just for the heads of courts so that when they retire, they go, ‘No.’ As they retire, the property becomes their own.”
” This is the approval of Mr. President, and that is why we issued the C-of-Os in their names. So all of you who are here probably that when they are leaving tomorrow, the buildings will be taken away from them.”
He stated that the approved designs and buildings are 10 duplexes for the Court of Appeal, 19 for the High Court, and 20 for FCT High Court to be handed over by Mr. President.
The minister decried an instance when a presiding justice was posted to Abuja but couldn’t afford accommodation and had to squat with his brother for two years.
“Tell me how comfortable he would be in that house to do his work.? Friends who come and visit his brother, will he say they shouldn’t come? It’s not his house. He’s a squatter. That is what you find our judges passing through.”
Wike insisted, “Before the first tenure of Mr. President ends, no judge of the FCT will be living in a rented quarter. I said before the first tenure ends, no judge of the FCT High Court.”
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said that the provision of accommodation for heads of court will help the judiciary to achieve institutional dignity and the serenity to discharge their duties.
“The provision of secure and befitting accommodation for heads of cost will enhance operational independence, personal security, and institutional dignity, thereby enabling judicial officers to discharge their duties with great focus and authority.”.
” The issue of corruption will be reduced to the barest minimum because even if you accuse the judiciary of corruption, what are they going to use the money for? For accommodation? It’s already guaranteed,” he said.
Fagbemi thanked Mr. President and the FCT Minister for prioritizing and strengthening the judicial institution and judicial infrastructural investment.”
