Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Nyesom Wike, has reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting the legal profession, while calling for discipline and integrity among lawyers.
Dr Wike who stated this when he received members of the Body of Benchers in his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, said the present administration’s support was not intended to interfare in Judiciary processes, but rather to enhance the sector and legal education in Nigeria.
Wike noted that the ongoing construction of the Body of Benchers Annex Complex was made possible through budgetary approval by President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly.
“The president had said whatever we will do make sure that judiciary is effective is efficient to carry out their obligation it should be done”
He emphasized that contrary to public perception, the funds were appropriated and not solely his decision as FCT Minister.
On legal ethics and professionalism, Wike criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for publicly condemning Supreme Court judgments without thorough review.
He lamented what he described as a double standard in the NBA’s acceptance of financial contributions, and pointed out that while his contributions to the NBA for building its National Secretariat were not seen as a bribe, similar support for the judiciary often faced criticism.
Wike urged the legal community to uphold professionalism and resist attempts to undermine the judiciary. He also called for an end to political and ethnic biases in national discourse.
He expressed concerns over how judges are treated, stating that they often feel restricted from social interactions due to fears of corruption allegations.
“We have scared of our judges to a point that a judge is going to mosque or church he cannot greet somebody he knows; he runs away, before he will shake(hands with) somebody , and people start saying he collected bride. We cannot continue this way.
“Everything is politics religion and ethnicity in this country.We must tell ourselves the simple truth. We cannot sit and shut our eyes and see individuals for whatever interest to kill this profession. It is not acceptable.
“If you don’t discipline somebody, nobody will learn any lesson. We shall no longer allowed our profession to be pulled down.” Wike noted.
Dr Wike also mentioned the construction of the Court of Appeal complex and judges’ quarters, stating that these projects were part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen judicial infrastructure.
The FCT minister announced plans to build male and female hostels at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, pending budget approval. He also assured that staff housing projects for legal education would be completed and handed over to the Council of Legal Education.
Additionally, Wike revealed plans to provide 20 more houses for FCTA court staff and to digitize the FCT High Court to modernize legal processes.
Wike also addressed sentiments about revoked lands, revealing that some prominent organizations, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), People’s Democratic Party (PDP) may just have to forfeit their properties should they fail to make their payments soonest.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), while thanking President’s Tinubu’s interventions in judicial affairs, commended the FCT Minister for being a true Ambassador of the legal profession, not only in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but also during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.
He urged Wike to continue his dedication to national development and support the administration’s success.
“Whatever you do, we are watching. Thank you, Sir, for being a good Ambassador, thank you Sir for your commitment to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thank you Sir, for all that you are doing,” Awomolo said.