Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has criticized Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike for presenting houses and cars as gifts to judges.
Falana contends that such actions are inappropriate and raise ethical concerns, especially given Wike’s influence over cases that may appear before these same judges.
In October, Wike initiated the Design and Construction of 40 residential quarters for judges in Abuja’s Katampe District, which caused a significant controversy. Many argue that providing such perks to judges creates an impression of impropriety, particularly as these judges may preside over cases involving the FCT or federal government.
During an interview on *Channels Television’s Politics Today*, Falana expressed his reservations:
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates similarly to a state governor under section 299 of the Constitution,” Falana explained. “However, unlike state governors, the minister’s budget is designated for FCT matters alone, meaning it cannot extend to personal benefits for judges across the federal courts.”
Falana argued that, as a federal government representative, Wike should not be “dishing out gifts of cars or houses to judges” in federal courts, including the Appeal Court and Supreme Court. “Equality before the law mandates that a minister cannot be seen giving substantial gifts to judges who may rule on his cases,” he added.
Highlighting constitutional principles, Falana noted that judicial autonomy exists to protect judges from financial dependence on the executive, allowing them to manage their own budget independently. “This autonomy is precisely so that judges have no business seeking cars or houses from the executive branch,” Falana said.
Furthermore, Falana criticized Wike for recent demolitions in the FCT, claiming that such actions lack proper legal authorization under the FCT’s Urban and Regional Planning Act. He explained, “In the FCT, if a property violates regulations, the case must first go to the Urban and Regional Planning Board. If the property owner’s appeal fails, only then can the High Court issue a demolition order.”
