‘I’m not bothered’ — Wike dismisses criticism against judges’ quarters project

November 22, 2024 8:17 pm

Richard Yunana Dauda, director of engineering services at FCDA; Nyesom Wike, FCT minister; and Philip Aduda, a former senator representing the FCT, during the inspection of some ongoing project sites in Abuja on Friday

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says he is not bothered by the criticism surrounding the judges’ quarters construction project.

Wike spoke in Abuja on Friday during an inspection tour of the judges’ quarters construction site and connecting road in Katampe district.

In September, the minister flagged off the construction of 40 houses for judges in Abuja, which sparked a public outrage.

He said 20 of the houses, when completed, would be allocated to judges of the FCT high court, while 10 would be given to the judges of the federal high court and 10 to those of the court of appeal.

The minister has since come under criticism as many Nigerians perceived his move to build houses for judges as a ploy to sway the judiciary for political gain.

On November 14, Wike denied claims that houses for judges were meant to influence them politically, adding that it is part of President Bola Tinubu’s welfare packages to promote judicial independence.

Reacting to the criticism, Wike said he owes no explanation to anyone, citing provisional approval and national assembly backing.

“Once you have a provisional approval to go ahead and the backing of the national assembly, what’s my business with those who are criticising?” Wike asked.

“Who are those criticising? I don’t think of that; I am not bothered. These are people who, even when you give them the opportunity, cannot do anything. So, forget about those criticisms.

“If you have not done it, they are the ones that will complain that the environment in which our judges and justices are working is not conducive.

“Now we are trying to provide an environment that will make them work well. They are saying, Oh! And given another reason. Don’t bother yourself; just move on and do your work.

“So, I’m not bothered about the so-called criticism. It does not exist where I am.”

The minister said the residents’ appreciation motivates him to work harder, adding that the FCT administration is executing multiple projects successfully.

Wike added that he was impressed with the projects’ pace and commended the contractors for upholding high standards.