By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
Abuja, Nigeria – In a bid to boost the welfare and independence of the judiciary, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has flagged off the construction of luxurious five-bedroom duplexes in Asokoro District, Abuja. The project, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to provide secure and high-quality residential accommodation for the Heads of Courts in the FCT, according to a press release from Rabi Umar Musa the Assistant Director Press Office of the Minister on Tuesday.
The beneficiaries of this high-profile project include the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court. Each residence features a five-bedroom duplex with a three-bedroom guest house, service quarters, worship centers, a swimming pool, and full furnishing and servicing.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Wike emphasized that the project was crucial in encouraging the independence of the judiciary and promoting the rule of law. “You can’t afford to continue to see judges living in rented houses… These judges preside over criminal matters and other serious matters, of course, you never can tell what will happen,” he stated.
The Minister revealed that the newly constructed duplexes would become the property of the Heads of Courts upon their retirement, with Certificates of Occupancy issued in their names. He also announced that the FCT Administration would build additional duplexes for judges of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and FCT High Court to provide them with dignified and befitting accommodation.
The project is expected to be completed within 12 months, with the contractor already mobilized to site. Wike assured that there would be no variation in the project timeline, emphasizing the importance of providing secure and befitting accommodation for judicial officers.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, praised the initiative, describing it as a tangible expression of President Tinubu’s vision for a robust judiciary. The beneficiaries of the project, including the President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, expressed their appreciation for the gesture, highlighting the importance of judicial welfare and independence.
This development is part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to transform the landscape of Abuja and improve the lives of its residents. With this project, the Tinubu administration aims to demonstrate its commitment to the judiciary and the rule of law, ensuring that judicial officers can discharge their duties with great focus and authority.