We’ll insulate Judiciary from manipulation, external interference — Wike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has pledged the administration’s commitment to doing everything in its power to protect the nation’s judiciary from all forms of manipulation and inducement.

He made this disclosure on Monday in Abuja during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Judges’ Quarters in the Katampe District of the territory.

The quarters, which will contain 40 houses for different categories of judges, have a completion timeline of 15 months.

Wike, expressing President Bola Tinubu’s determination to improve the living conditions of judges, emphasized that the independence of the judiciary is a serious concern for the administration.

He said, “Mr. President has always asked, ‘How do we ensure the independence of the judiciary? How can the judiciary be truly independent?’ One of the key factors that guarantee judicial independence is the tenure of judicial officers. As the Minister of Justice and Attorney General stated, the president has addressed this by amending the constitution, allowing judicial officers to retire at the age of 70.

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“Mr. President also emphasized that the conditions of service are critical to judicial independence. If we want to insulate the judiciary from manipulation or interference by either the legislature or the executive, their conditions of service, especially remuneration, are crucial. As the Minister of Justice and Attorney General mentioned, one of the first actions Mr. President took was to amend the salaries and allowances of judicial officers in 2024, which he recently assented to. This gives them hope and ensures their compensation is at a level that allows them to make independent decisions.

“Another critical condition of service in insulating the judiciary from interference is housing. Every individual needs housing, and judicial officers are no exception. Mr. President has stressed that we must demonstrate our support for the independence of the judiciary through action, not just words. People can see we are serious about this. Mr. President has instructed that we provide housing for judges, and the best way to achieve this is through an owner-occupier scheme. This way, every judge will know that upon retirement, they will have a home.

“With such security, it becomes difficult for anyone to manipulate or interfere with judicial officers. When they have homes and know their salaries and allowances will be paid upon retirement, and when their tenure is guaranteed, they can be courageous and firm in performing their duties. This is what Mr. President’s legal agenda is about—not just talking but demonstrating commitment through action,” he added.

In her remarks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed her gratitude to Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and other members of the Federal Executive Council for their continued support of the administration’s initiatives.