The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims of executive interference in judicial matters, emphasizing that providing infrastructure for the judiciary aligns with the collaborative spirit of governance. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the design, construction, and furnishing of an annex office for the Body of Benchers in Abuja on Friday, Wike clarified that such support fosters development and does not compromise the judiciary’s independence.
“As we speak today, it is the Federal Capital Territory that is providing the official residence of the legislature. It is also the FCT that is building the new complex of the National Assembly,” Wike noted. He explained that these projects would be handed over to the respective arms of government for management, underscoring that the initiative reflects a commitment to national development rather than interference.
The annex office project for the Body of Benchers is part of the FCT’s 2023 supplementary budget, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly. Wike expressed gratitude to the President for his support, highlighting the transparent process behind the project. “This project is part of the supplementary budget assented to by Mr. President on November 8, 2023. There is nothing hidden about this initiative,” he said, assuring stakeholders that the project would be completed within its 10-month timeline.
The Minister also announced plans to address residential challenges at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari by providing apartments for lecturers, a project that has already received presidential approval. In response to a request by the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Wike committed to constructing a fire station to serve institutions in the area, directing its inclusion in the FCT’s 2025 budget.
Awomolo lauded the government’s support for the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of interdependence among the three arms of government. “No arm of government is so sufficiently endowed to perform its constitutional functions alone. Support and collaboration from the Executive are necessary and do not undermine the independence of other arms of government,” he stated. The event highlighted the FCT Administration’s resolve to enhance the judiciary’s infrastructure while promoting national unity and development.
