By Stanley Onyekwere
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned of 20 newly constructed residential quarters for Judges of the FCT High Court in the Katampe District of Abuja.
Speaking while performing the official inauguration of the state-of-the-art residences completed within 18 months on Wednesday, Tinubu charged Nigerian judicial officers to maintain an unwavering, fearless, and transparent commitment to justice, emphasizing that the nation expects integrity in return for the government’s efforts to upgrade their welfare and security.
The President urged judges to dispense justice strictly on its merits, without fear, favor, or executive influence.
He noted that decent housing is presented as a fundamental requirement for judicial independence, funded entirely outside the judiciary’s statutory budget.
He disclosed that plans are underway to transition these official residences to an owner-occupier basis for the judges.
Represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, President Tinubu made it clear that while his administration is committed to shielding the judiciary from discomfort, judges must reciprocate with absolute fairness.
“To our lordships who will occupy these quarters: This country looks up to you.
“As we provide infrastructure to make your lives easier and your service safer, we only ask in return for your unwavering commitment to the swift, fair, and transparent dispensation of justice.
“Let these quarters be a daily reminder of the trust the nation has placed in you,” he said.
The President emphasized that the Katampe housing project is a distinct executive intervention that leaves the judiciary’s statutory budget entirely intact, thereby protecting its autonomy.
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, explained that the project was born out of direct presidential directives to elevate the dignity of the FCT judiciary.
Addressing past criticisms regarding land acquisition, Wike noted that the land originally held by Julius Berger PLC was acquired in the overriding public interest to serve the nation’s temple of justice.
Wike announced plans to seek formal approval from President Tinubu to transition the residences to an owner-occupier model for the judges.
Wike revealed that construction is already planned for 20 additional residences for FCT Judges, alongside ongoing quarters for heads of courts, to be delivered before the end of the President’s first term.
He commended the contractor, the housing project contractor for delivering the project within 18 months, reiterating that the FCTA only awards contracts when cash flow is fully secured to prevent abandoned projects.
In response, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu and Wike for transforming a vision conceived two years ago into reality.
He pledged that the beneficiaries would receive this gesture with humility and a renewed commitment to duty, promising that the FCT High Court will continue to dispense justice fairly, fearlessly, and without favour.
