President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday declared that his administration would continue investing heavily in institutions that safeguard justice and democracy, as he praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for driving what he described as an unprecedented infrastructure revolution across Abuja.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, at the commissioning of the Office Annex of the Body of Benchers in Abuja, Tinubu said democracy cannot survive without strong institutions backed by modern infrastructure.
He described the newly completed facility as more than a physical structure, saying it symbolises the Federal Government’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence and the legal profession.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely a celebration of a beautiful edifice crafted with architectural excellence. It is a resounding affirmation of our administration’s steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the independence of our institutions and the dignity of the Nigerian legal profession,” the President said.
He added: “When we took the oath of office, we promised Nigerians Renewed Hope. Democracy cannot thrive in a vacuum; it requires strong, resilient and well-equipped institutions to anchor it.”
Tinubu said the Body of Benchers, as the institution responsible for admitting lawyers to the Bar and maintaining discipline within the legal profession, deserved a befitting headquarters that reflects its strategic role in Nigeria’s justice system.
The President stressed that supporting the judiciary with infrastructure should not be mistaken for interference, insisting that it is the constitutional duty of the Executive to provide an enabling environment for justice to flourish.
He disclosed that, beyond the Office Annex, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had approved the construction of two 300-capacity hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, completed the access road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat to Nile University and commenced the construction of a fire station to serve the district.
Tinubu reserved special praise for Wike, saying the FCT Minister had exceeded expectations in delivering critical infrastructure across the nation’s capital.
“When I appointed Minister Wike, I gave him a clear mandate to transform Abuja into a modern, functional and world-class capital city. Over the last three years, the scale of infrastructural development, urban renewal and project delivery in the FCT has been unmatched.
“From the Court of Appeal Complex and the Judges’ Quarters to major road projects across the city and satellite towns, Abuja is witnessing a remarkable renaissance. The completion of this Body of Benchers Annex is another proof that focused leadership delivers results.”
Earlier, the minister of FCT Barr Nyesom Wike disclosed that the project became possible after former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, approached him with a request for an annex despite the annual budget already having been passed.
According to him, he sought the President’s approval, and Tinubu immediately directed that the project be accommodated in the supplementary budget, with the National Assembly giving the necessary approval.
“Mr. President never disappointed us. He approved the project, the National Assembly supported it and today we are commissioning it,” Wike said.
The minister also revealed that another request by the Body of Benchers to ease traffic congestion around the institution had already been fulfilled, announcing that the new road serving the area would be commissioned by the Vice President.
He thanked Tinubu for ensuring prompt release of funds for FCT projects, saying the administration’s support had accelerated infrastructure delivery across Abuja.
Addressing the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje SAN, Wike pledged continued support for the legal institution.
“If you have any request, let us know on time. We will continue to support you because institutions like this deserve the best,” he said.
In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the annex as a landmark investment that would strengthen legal education, professional discipline and the administration of justice.
She said the project reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to building stronger institutions capable of promoting justice, accountability and good governance.
