By Seyi Babalola
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, says it is improper for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to offer judges apartments and cars.
According to reports, Wike launched the Design and Construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in the Katampe District of the nation’s capital, Abuja in October, sparking controversy, with many contending that it is unethical.
Falana, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, argued that it is wrong for the executive to give gifts to the members of the judiciary, especially judges.
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates like a state governor by section 299 of the Constitution.
“So, he cannot say I am going to build 40 houses, 10 shall go to the federal high court, 10 shall go to judges in the FCT high court and 10 shall go to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, no.
“Because you are a minister of the Federal Government like a state governor your budget is limited to the affairs of the FCT.
“So, you cannot as the head of the FCT be dishing out gifts of cars, houses to judges in the federal high court, in the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court.
“Number two, you have cases before these courts, on the theory of equality before the court you cannot be seen to be giving cars or houses to the judges who are going to determine your cases,” he said.
The senior lawyer stated that this is why the judiciary’s autonomy has been constitutionalized, emphasizing that judges have no business approaching the government to purchase vehicles and residences.
According to him, the Constitution grants the judiciary financial sovereignty, allowing it to handle its budget.
The human rights activist also slammed Wike for demolishing private houses in the FCT, calling it primitive and a violation of the law.
He stated that such demolitions are not permitted under the Federal Capital Territory’s Urban and Regional Planning Act.
“In the FCT, if a house has breached the law, the case must first be taken to the Urban and Regional Planning Board.
“If the property owner loses, they can appeal to the Urban and Regional Tribunal. If that fails, the case may go to the High Court, where an order for demolition may be issued,” he added.
