The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has defended his administration’s decision to build apartments for judges in the capital city.
Wike maintained that the judges’ quarters were not built to induce the judiciary but a form of welfarism to encourage the judges.
The FCT Minister made this known while addressing newsmen during his monthly media parley on Monday.
Wike harped on the need to create a good working condition to get the best out of officials.
“The essence to provide what will make the judiciary not to complain.
“Welfare is key, environment where you work is key. I went to my office, and I just wondered that come is this what the Minister of FCT should have? Is it this kind of office? If you stay in a good environment, you have to put in your best.
“When we built for the National Assembly, an arm of government, it is to do what? When we built for the police, it is to do what? When we built to support INEC, it is to do what?” He asked.
The FCT Minister recalled his time as governor of Rivers State governor where he embarked in similar projects especially the renovation of the Appeal Court in the state.
“I was governor of Rivers State. We had the worst Court of Appeal where people are sitting on plastic chairs when it is raining.
“As a governor, I said no this cannot happen. I had to put the court in a proper position. Rivers State used to go to Bayelsa for Industrial matters and 80 percent of those matters come from Rivers State. I said no. What do we do?
“We told the Industrial Court that Rivers State will build a befitting industrial court to stop our people from moving from Rivers to Bayelsa. That again is inducement.
“We built for Federal High Court. If you see the Federal High Court before, you will say what kind of country is this?
“You saw what we did as a state for the judges. Every judge, we made sure, have a residence or financial support.” He said.
Wike maintained that the projects did not exempt him from litigation cases after he left office.
“As I came out as governor, have you not been hearing about judgement against me?
“All these claims of inducement are from people who have nothing to say.” The minister said.
Reacting to the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) criticism of his construction of the judges’ quarters, Wike acknowledged the role of the association.
He however accused the NBA of begging government for financial support during their conventions.
The minister reiterated that the projects were not embarked on in order to induce the judges.
“NBA should be a voice to criticise government. Therefore, NBA should not be induced. Is it not?
“But what of the situation where NBA will want to hold a convention and they go and beg government money? In that case what do we say? Will they have independent view again?
“Let us do what we are supposed to do and do not bother yourselves because I cannot be the final minister here.
“Mr. President will not be the only president. He will finish his eight years and go. I will leave as it suits Mr. President. So, what are you inducing them for? It is not correct.” He added.