The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has stated that the judiciary plays a crucial role in the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Anthony Ogunleye, director of press, Office of the Minister and sent to Truthlive news on Thursday.
According to the statement, Wike made the remarks during a courtesy visit by a delegation of Federal High Court Judges, led by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, to his office in Abuja on November 2, 2023.
The Minister emphasized that the judiciary, as an independent arm of government, should be considered on equal footing with the executive and legislative branches and assured that the FCT Administration would continue to offer the necessary support to enhance the judiciary’s operations in the territory.
Furthermore, he mentioned the allocation in the 2023 supplementary budget for the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
He stated, “Just yesterday, I went to the National Assembly to defend the supplementary budget, and there we included the building of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal.”
Regarding the request for land allocation to Federal High Court Judges, the Minister pledged that the FCT Administration would allocate land to them, albeit in phases.
He also committed to providing infrastructure in areas where allocations had been made by his predecessors to promote development. Barrister Wike encouraged the delegation to approach the administration with any other issues that they believe can be resolved.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Tsoho, commended Barrister Wike for his dedicated service to the people of Rivers State and his support for the judiciary, considering it his primary constituency.
However, he expressed concerns about the frequent transfers of Federal High Court Judges, which impacted their welfare policies and services.
He appealed to the FCT Minister to allocate land in the FCT to Federal High Court Judges as a recognition of their nationwide service, as they are considered federal citizens due to their unique job requirements.
The meeting was also attended by Hon. Justices G, K Olotu, B.F.N Nyako, I.E Ekwo, D.U. Okorowo, and senior officials of the FCTA.
Here are photos from the meeting:
PHOTO CAPTION
1. Hon. Justice B,F,N Nyako, Hon. Justice G.K Olotu, Hon. Justice John Tsoho and the FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike, during the visit of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria to the FCTA on Thursday.
2. FCT Minister, barrister Nyesom Wike (6th left) flanked by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Hon Justice John Tsoho (5th left) and Hon. Justice G K. Olotu (6th right) and other judges of the Court and senior officials of the FCTA during the visit of the judges to the FCTA on Thursday
3.. L-R: Hon. Justice B,F,N Nyako, Chief Judge, Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, FCT Minister, Barrister, Nyesom Wike and Hon Justice Gladys Olotu during the visit of the Chief Judge to the FCTA on Thursday