Despite facing criticism from various quarters, including legal experts who raise concerns about potential bias, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has for the umpteenth time firmly defended the construction of judges’ quarters in Abuja, emphasised that the project, aimed at improving judicial living conditions, received both presidential approval and backing from the National Assembly as part of a broader commitment to judicial welfare.

“Once you have a provisional approval to go ahead and the backing of the national assembly, what’s my business with those who are criticising?” Wike asked while fielding questions from journalists who accompanied him on inspection of the extension of arterial road (N5) to Ring Road III and ancillary with other ongoing road projects and construction of houses for judges in Abuja.

“Who are those criticising? I don’t think of that; I am not bothered. These are people who, even when you give them the opportunity, cannot do anything. So, forget about those criticisms.

“If you have not done it, they are the ones that will complain that the environment in which our judges and justices are working is not conducive.

“Now we are trying to provide an environment that will make them work well. They are saying, Oh! And given another reason. Don’t bother yourself; just move on and do your work.

“So, I’m not bothered about the so-called criticism. It does not exist where I am.”

In September, Wike announced the construction of 40 houses for judges in Abuja, a decision that ignited public outrage. The project will allocate 20 homes to judges of the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal, all located in the Katampe district.

According to the minister, as long as the job he was doing was impacting lives, creating jobs, he will not be bothered by criticism.

He explained that more youths have been engaged by the contractors handling projects across the territory.

Wike said: “Creation of employment is one of the priority areas of Tinubu’s administration, Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Creation of employment is a top priority. And employment is not necessarily when you’re employed by the government but when you create an opportunity where youths can find a place to work for their own living.

“Look at the number of youths working at the site. Look at all the roads we have gone to, and look at the number of people that are employed.

“So, I feel happy that at least we have been able to engage youths. Nothing can make you more comfortable when you see your youths engaged.

“You can imagine when these jobs are not there, what the number of youths will be doing by now?”

The minister stated that the appreciation from residents is an inspiration to work harder on various projects in the federal capital.

He commended contractors for their swift progress and high standards, saying, “I am impressed with the pace of the projects.”

He assured that the city would wear a different outlook entirely by the time the roads were finished.
“Look at the kind of equipment they have on ground. By the time all those roads are completed, you would imagine what the city would look like. Look at the judges’ quarters. I mean, you feel happy, and one can tell you that nothing makes us happy that people are happy that we are delivering the dividends of democracy.”

THE SUN