Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he continued to support the judiciary and provide conducive working conditions for judicial officers despite having his election nullified by the Court of Appeal while serving as governor.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during the commissioning of newly completed Judges’ Quarters for the Court of Appeal and the flag-off of the construction of residential quarters for the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja.
The projects were commissioned on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.Speaking at the event, Wike emphasized the need for state governments to complement federal efforts in developing infrastructure for judicial institutions, stressing that the Federal Government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility.
According to him, governors should take a keen interest in supporting courts located within their states since the institutions primarily serve their residents.Drawing from his experience as Governor of Rivers State, Wike recalled how residents were previously compelled to travel to Bayelsa State to access the National Industrial Court, despite the majority of cases originating from Rivers.
He explained that after discovering the state government could facilitate the establishment of the court by providing infrastructure, his administration swiftly constructed the necessary facilities and residential accommodation for judicial officers.
Wike also recounted a personal experience involving the Court of Appeal, noting that although the court nullified his election, he chose not to allow personal grievances to affect governance.“Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa was President of the Court of Appeal when my election was nullified. Ordinarily, one could decide not to support the institution, but who would suffer? The people of the state would suffer,” he said.
The FCT Minister maintained that governments at all levels should prioritize investments in the judiciary to improve access to justice and enhance the welfare of judicial officers.He urged governors across the country not to leave all developmental responsibilities to the Federal Government, insisting that collaboration between federal and state authorities remains crucial to strengthening key institutions.
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