Tinubu Defends Judges’ Housing Scheme, Says Welfare Will Not Undermine Judicial Independence

President Bola Tinubu has defended the housing scheme for judicial officers built by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), dismissing claims that the initiative could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Speaking through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the inauguration of 20 housing units for judges of the FCT High Court in Katampe District, Abuja, the president described the project as part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through improved welfare and infrastructure.

Tinubu said the housing project formed part of a broader programme designed to reinforce the rule of law by providing secure and decent accommodation for judicial officers across the country.

Responding to criticism that the executive was attempting to influence the judiciary through the scheme, the president said the same argument could also be directed at the recently commissioned staff quarters for lecturers at the Nigerian Law School.

“If every act of infrastructural provision is to be read as a corrupting influence, then even decent housing for our law lecturers will fall under this suspicion. That cannot be a fair standard,” he said.

Tinubu maintained that the housing initiative was an intervention programme and had no connection with the statutory budget or financial independence of the judiciary.

According to him, providing quality accommodation would improve the security, comfort and peace of mind of judges, enabling them to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear or distraction.

“We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their basic comfort, security and peace of mind are left to chance. True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed plans to seek the president’s approval to allow beneficiaries of the newly completed judges’ quarters to own the houses under an owner-occupier arrangement.

Wike said the proposal had already received the support of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

He also announced plans to construct another 20 housing units for judges of the FCT High Court before the end of Tinubu’s first term, noting that the current allocation was insufficient to accommodate all judicial officers.

The minister further disclosed that three new court complexes for judges and magistrates would be completed and inaugurated before the end of the year to improve the administration of justice in the FCT.

Wike also rejected allegations circulating on social media that he unlawfully acquired land in Abuja, explaining that the site used for the judges’ estate was legally recovered from Julius Berger after it remained undeveloped for more than 30 years.

In his remarks, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, described the housing project as a major boost to judicial independence.

He said the welfare of judicial officers was “an institutional necessity, not a privilege,” adding that judicial independence required not only constitutional guarantees but also practical institutional support through quality accommodation, adequate infrastructure and conducive working conditions.

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