On Friday, Nigeria’s Minister in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike, countered assertions made by human rights and constitutional lawyer Femi Falana in a viral television interview.
Falana had criticized the minister for building luxurious houses and apartments for federal judges and purchasing exotic cars, asserting that such gestures could derail justice and influence the judges when the minister has cases before the courts.
However, Mr. Wike, via a statement issued by his recently appointed media aide, Lere Olayinka, insisted that the constitutional lawyer got it wrong and that there was “nothing wrong in the Federal Government providing accommodation for judges as well as officials of other arms of government.”
In defending the government’s action, Olayinka said the separation of powers is not absolute.
Wike’s Argument
Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, argued that Falana’s position was patently wrong and merely displayed emotions and sentiments against the FCT Minister.
“Wouldn’t there still be a need for land from the FCT Ministry if the houses were to be built by the judiciary? And if it is about exercising influence over the judiciary, is the allocation of lands insufficient?” he questioned.
He pointed out that the National Assembly, including politicians with court cases, must approve the money for building these houses. He asked, “Should we also say that bringing the budget of the judiciary to the National or State House of Assembly for passage will influence judges if lawmakers have cases before them?”
Olayinka also mentioned security, stating, “Police and other security agencies provide security for judges, and they do have court cases, too. Is Mr. Falana saying that security agencies will influence the judges?”
He continued, “Anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC investigate judges. Does Falana believe that these investigations should not happen to avoid influencing the judiciary?”
Olayinka sarcastically suggested that judges might as well avoid contact with anyone at all to prevent any possible influence, saying, “Maybe judges should stop having friends and family members so they aren’t influenced.”
Olayinka urged Falana to be more concerned about making the judges comfortable and secure so that they can do their jobs rather than dissipating energy on the executive arm of government, which should be doing its own duties.
He pointed out that “even in the United States of America, where Supreme Court justices are seen as affiliated to political parties, right things are still done by the justices.”
A rebuttal is undoubtedly expected from the respected lawyer.
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