”You cannot be seen to be giving cars or houses to the judges, it goes against the financial independence of the judiciary” -Falana knocks Wike over car and house gifts to judges

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), recently voiced his concerns over Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike’s decision to provide judges with houses and cars. Falana argued that this move is inappropriate, as it raises ethical questions about impartiality in the judiciary.

In October, Wike initiated the construction of 40 housing units for judges in the Katampe District, Abuja—a project that has since sparked debate. Critics argue that these gifts could compromise judicial independence, with many questioning the ethics behind such government-sponsored incentives for judges.

Speaking in an interview on Channels TV, Falana said;

“There are no provisions in the law for a Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to gift Federal judges who he has cases in front of, houses and cars, it goes against the financial independence of the judiciary which is enshrined in our constitution. If the government wishes to give houses and cars to judges, they can write the National Assembly to make provisions for it and send the funds to the National Judicial Council who are empowered to appropriate the funds as required.”