*You Have Not Disappointed Me, He Tells Minister
By Stephen Gbadamosi
President Bola Tinubu has said that his administration is providing housing to judicial officers to reinforce the independence of the judiciary and fortify the vital pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this in Abuja while inaugurating 10 housing units for judges of the Federal High Court, in the newly constructed Judges’ Quarters, at Katampe District.
The President said the project was a deliberate shield against vulnerability, a statement that Nigeria valued those who interpret her laws.
“We are here not just to commission buildings, but to fortify a vital pillar of our democracy – the judiciary.
“When we embarked on the Renewed Hope Agenda, we made a sacred covenant with the Nigerian people. We promised to revive our institutional trust, secure our nation, and ensure that the rule of law is never compromised nor delayed.
“Today, with the official inauguration of these 10 housing units for judges of the Federal High Court, we are taking a definitive physical step towards fulfilling that promise,” he said.
Tinubu noted that for too long, Nigerians had been talking about the independence of the judiciary in abstract terms, adding, however, that the independence required an independent and secure environment.
“You cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour, when their basic comfort, security, and peace of mind are left to chance.
“True judicial independence is rooted in the dignity of our judicial officers. By providing this set of residential quarters, we are ensuring that our Federal High Court judges operate from a place of security, comfort, and stability.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on equity and justice. As we provide infrastructure to make your lives easier, we ask in return for an unwavering commitment to the swift, fair, and transparent dispensation of justice.
“May these homes be centers of deep reflection, integrity, and honour. May the judgments that emanate from your minds continue to strengthen the fabric of our democracy,” he said.
Tinubu pointed out that Nigeria and the nation’s capital were changing, adding that the reforms his administration was putting in place across all sectors might require patience.
He said while the proof of the reforms were beginning to show, his administration would not relent until every sector – in justice, infrastructure, economy, or security – reflected the true greatness of Nigeria.
He commended the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he described as “talented, dynamic, and unapologetically committed” for delivering the edifices with high quality.
“When I gave Wike the assignment to transform Abuja into a world-class city, I knew his capacity to deliver. Nyesom Wike, you have not disappointed me.
“In fixing critical road networks and ensuring the timely completion of projects like these judges’ quarters, you have proven that performance is the only currency that matters in public service,” he said.
In his remarks, Wike said that the effort was part of Tinubu’s commitment to an independent judiciary in the country.
“Yesterday, we inaugurated the Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters. Today, we are here for the Federal High Court and in July, we will inaugurate the housing units for the FCT High Court.
“I’m very happy that we are part of this administration that’s changing the narrative,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that the entire area had been designated as Judges Zone, adding that he had directed Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) to effect the change.
Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, noted that the long-standing accommodation challenges facing judges had been a matter of deep concern for decades, noting that the steps to address them were met with mixed reactions in the media.
Tsoho commended Tinubu and Wike for the bold steps taken, despite critics in the media, to provide befitting accommodation to judges and improve the welfare of judicial officers.
“As judges, while we shape the legal direction of society on a daily basis through the pronouncements we make in the courtroom, we seldom have the occasion to speak publicly without courting controversy or being misunderstood.
“It is deeply encouraging and gives immense hope to the judiciary and the nation at large to see that the welfare of career professionals is being taken seriously.
“This commitment allows our judicial officers to find peace and stability in their vital roles,” he said.
Earlier, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Richard Dauda, said the project was awarded in September 2024 for the design and construction of 40 judges’ quarters at Katampe District.
Dauda said 10 of the houses were specifically for the judges of the Court of Appeal.
He said the scope of work for the project included the construction of 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters for each of the houses along with other facilities.
*PHOTO CAPTION:On behalf of President Tinubu, VP Shettima (m) commissions the Quarters while Wike (2nd left), Minister of State, FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud (2nd right) and others watch.
