Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has stated that it is inappropriate for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to offer judges cars and houses.
Reporter recalls that in October, Wike launched the design and construction of 40 judges’ quarters in the Katampe District of Abuja, which has sparked controversy, with many questioning its ethicality.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics on Wednesday 13/11 Falana argued that it is inappropriate for the executive to offer gifts to members of the judiciary, particularly judges.
Under Section 299 of the Constitution, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory functions similarly to a state governor.
“So, he cannot claim, ‘I’m going to build 40 houses—10 for the Federal High Court, 10 for the FCT High Court judges, and 10 for the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.’ That’s not possible.
“Being a federal minister, much like a state governor, your budget should be restricted to the affairs of the FCT.
As the head of the FCT, you cannot be giving gifts such as cars and houses to judges in the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, or the Supreme Court.
“Secondly, you have cases pending before these courts, and based on the principle of equality before the law, you cannot be seen giving cars or houses to judges who will decide your cases,” he explained.
The senior lawyer emphasized that this is why the judiciary’s autonomy is enshrined in the Constitution, stressing that judges should not be going to the executive to receive gifts like cars and houses.
He noted that the Constitution grants the judiciary financial autonomy, allowing it to manage its own budget independently.
The human rights activist also criticized Wike for demolishing private properties in the FCT, calling the actions primitive and unlawful.
He explained that these demolitions are not authorized under the Urban and Regional Planning Act that applies in the FCT.
In the FCT, if a property violates the law, the matter must first be brought before the Urban and Regional Planning Board.
“If the property owner loses, they have the right to appeal to the Urban and Regional Tribunal. If that appeal is unsuccessful, the case can then proceed to the High Court, where a demolition order might be issued,” he explained.
