President Bola Tinubu says his administration is providing housing to judicial officers to fortify the vital pillar of Nigerian democracy.

Mr Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while inaugurating 10 housing units for judges of the Federal High Court in the newly constructed Judges’ Quarters at Katampe District.

The president said that the project was a deliberate shield against vulnerability, a statement that Nigeria values 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.
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Mr Tinubu noted that ‎for too long, Nigerians have been talking about the independence of the judiciary in abstract terms, adding, however, that the independence requires 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 centres of deep reflection, integrity, and honour. May the judgements that emanate from your minds continue to strengthen the fabric of our democracy,” he said.

Mr ‎Tinubu pointed out that Nigeria and the nation’s capital were changing, adding that the reforms his administration were putting in place across all sectors might require patience.

He said that while the proof of the reforms was beginning to show, his administration would not relent until every sector – justice, infrastructure, economy, or security – reflected the true greatness of Nigeria.

He commended the Minister of the 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.
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In his remarks, ‎Mr Wike said that the effort was part of Mr 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 the entire area has been designated as the Judges’ Zone, adding that he had directed the Abuja Geographic Information System to effect the change.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, noted that the long-standing accommodation challenges facing judges have been a matter of deep concern for decades, noting that the steps to address them were met with mixed reactions in the media.

Mr Tsoho commended Messrs Tinubu and Wike for the bold steps taken despite criticism 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, Richard Dauda, said that the project was awarded in September 2024 for the design and construction of 40 judges’ quarters at Katampe District.

Mr Dauda said that 10 of the houses were specifically for the judges of the Court of Appeal.

He said that the scope of work for the project includes the construction of 10 fully furnished 5-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters for each of the houses along with other facilities. 

(NAN)