By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As a way of ensuring the independence and isolation of the judiciary, the FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike on Monday unveiled the construction of a 40 unit Judges’ housing quarters in the Katampe district of Abuja.
The Judges’ housing quarters which will be completed in 15 months is for judges of the Appeal Court, Judges of the Federal High Court and Judges of the FCT Court.
Wike said that one of the things that guarantees the independence of judges is the provision of houses which they can individually call their own.
The FCT Minister said, “Another condition of service that’s very, very critical and isolating the judiciary from interference is housing. Housing, every man needs housing.”
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given matching orders on how to work for independence of the judiciary.
Wike disclosed that to fast track the completion of the housing quarters,
70% of the budget approved for this particular project.
” The President said, ” we must, in all times, provide housing, but that can only be better if you have an owner-occupier house.”
“And so every judge will know that at the end of the day, I’m retiring from the office,but I have my own home.”
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere- Ekun commended the Federal Government and the FCT Administration for enhancement of the welfare of judiciary officers.
The CJN said, ” 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.”
Kekere Ekun officially flagged off the construction and design of the 40 unit houses for justices of the Appeal Court, judges of the Federal High Court judges of the FCT, said it is beyond the basic needs of housing l, but a reflection of
the recognition that the mental and emotional well-being of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.
The Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud commended the FCT Minister for embarking on such invaluable and inspiring judicial infrastructure.
