By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to providing infrastructure in Abuja and said it will not be distracted by what he described as unnecessary criticism. The minister spoke, during a courtesy visit by the Body of Benchers, according to a press release from Rabi Musa Umar, the Deputy Director Press, Office of the Minister Tuesday.
The delegation was led by the new Chairman of the Body of Benchers, HRM Albert Akpomudje SAN. The visit took place at the minister’s office in the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike was responding to recent comments by Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe, who was quoted as saying that building houses for judges could compromise their independence. The minister said the FCT Administration would continue to provide infrastructure for government institutions where needed and as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
He said government welcomes criticism, but it should be constructive. According to him, negative criticism does not aid national development.
“Our people should stop criticizing for the sake of it,” Wike said. “What we expect is criticism that points out where we can improve. Not a situation where nothing is acknowledged as good. That is not progress.”
On the judges’ housing project, Wike said providing accommodation would strengthen judicial independence, not undermine it. He noted that the houses would remain government property and would not be taken home by the judges.
“I have always said you cannot bring down your own house,” he said. “You cannot go to the public to denigrate your judges and justices. If the executive funds the building of houses, that gives them an enabling environment. If that is called compromise, then what do we call state governments funding NBA activities?”
The minister challenged the NBA leadership’s stance, saying it was contradictory to accept government support for the association while questioning similar support for the judiciary. He urged the NBA president to use his tenure to improve the judiciary so that his legacy would be remembered positively.
Wike directed the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, to construct an access road to the Body of Benchers’ annex building, which is under construction. He assured that the annex would be handed over in June and the road to the office complex would also be inaugurated that month.
The Chairman of the Body of Benchers commended Wike for his infrastructural interventions in the judiciary and the FCT. He acknowledged that the annex building was near completion and said all promises made by the minister to the body had been fulfilled.
