The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has charged state governors to take responsibility of initiating infrastructural development in their respective states and stop over-reliance on Federal Government’s intervention.
Wike gave the charge while speaking at the flag-off ceremony for new Court of Appeal quarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
This is coming hours after inaugurating the newly constructed Court of Appeal’s complex.
Addressing government officials, members of the judiciary and other guests present at the flag-off ceremony, Wike harped on the need for state government to replicate the infrastructural development drive by the FCTA in their states also.
He challenged the state governors to also consider initiating intervention projects across the judiciary sector in their state.
“I challenge state, do not leave everything for FG.
“If you have a division, do the same thing for them. How many justices do you have there?
“If as governor I have the jurisdiction to help my constitution and I don’t and I come here to speak Queens English, it is easier to criticise me that what did you do?” He said.
Meanwhile, Wike talked down claims of embarking on the projects to influence the judiciary.
He recalled renovating several court houses during his time as Rivers State Governor despite undergoing litigation cases filed against him.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended the FCT Minister for the interventions.
Fagbemi described the project as a deliberate outcome of policy of providing practical support to the judiciary for its critical role in sustaining democracy.
“The commissioning of this project is particularly significant because it is the direct outcome of the deliberate policy of providing practical support to the judiciary as a co-equal arm of government, stressing the critical role of the court in sustaining democracy, resolving disputes and fostering economic development.” The AGF said.
Fagbemi however noted that the project was strictly funded by the Federal Government and distinct from the judiciary’s projects.
“Worthy of noting is that this is project is a federal intervention distinct and separate from the judiciary’s projects.” He said.