Wike knocks critics, says I’ll continue to do more for judiciary

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his dedication to supporting infrastructure development for the judiciary, despite criticism suggesting ulterior motives.

Wike made this commitment on Friday during the inauguration of the construction and furnishing of an Office Annex for the Body of Benchers in Abuja.

He emphasized his resolve to prioritize national development over detractors’ opinions, stating, “So, whatever they are saying, don’t listen; those who are saying it, don’t look at them and because I can’t talk and I cannot reply, I will go ahead and continue to do my work for the best of my country. That is all I can do.”

The minister also expressed gratitude to Adegboyega Awomolo, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, for highlighting the importance of collaboration among the three arms of government.

“Like you rightly said, as we speak today, it is the Federal Capital Territory that is providing the official residence of the legislature. That is a different arm of government, but it is the FCT that is providing their residence. As we speak today, it is the FCT that is building the new complex of the National Assembly. At the end of the day, the project will be handed over to the legislature for them to manage. That has nothing to do with interference of the arm of government,” Wike said.

He also extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for endorsing key infrastructure projects, including the National Assembly complex and the Body of Benchers Office Annex. Additionally, he noted that Tinubu approved the development of 10 housing units for lecturers at the Nigerian Law School to address infrastructure deficits in the federal institution.

Assuring the Body of Benchers of his unwavering support, Wike remarked, “I will make you proud, and you will see a difference as far as governance is concerned. I’m happy as a lawyer and as a bencher, that people will ask, when you had the opportunity, when you were in the office, what was your contribution to the development of legal education? What was your contribution to the judiciary?”

He added, “You know, it is easy to criticize when you are outside, but when you are given an opportunity and they ask you, what did you do? I will say, yes, as a minister of FCT, I was able to contribute; as a minister of FCT, I was able to do this and that.”

Earlier, Mr. Richard Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, highlighted that the new office annex would significantly improve the Body of Benchers’ operations by providing a secure and conducive environment. Designed to include conference halls, meeting rooms, and other facilities, the project is slated for completion within 10 months.

Awomolo also underscored that support from the executive arm of government to the judiciary does not compromise the independence of either. He commended both Tinubu and Wike, a Life Bencher, for prioritizing infrastructure development for the Nigerian Law School, the judiciary, and the Body of Benchers.

Describing the initiative as a “historical” milestone, Awomolo praised the ongoing collaboration between government entities to enhance legal education and the judiciary.