The Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, says the survival of democracy in the country hinges on the vital role played by the judiciary.
The Minister made the assertion when a delegation of Federal High Court Judges, led by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
The minister said the judiciary, as an independent arm of government, plays an important role in the survival of democracy and should not be seen as any less among the three arms of government.
He assured that the FCT Administration will continue to provide the necessary support to enhance the operations of the judiciary in the territory, adding that provision has been made in the 2023 supplementary budget of the FCT for the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
He said, “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.”
On the request for land allocation to Federal High Court Judges, the Minister assured that land would be allocated to them by the FCT Administration, but noted that it would be done in phases.
He also pledged to provide infrastructure in areas where allocations had been made by his predecessors to encourage development.
“If there are other problems that you think you have that the administration can help with, do not hesitate to let us solve that problem,” the minister added.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Tsoho, commended Barrister Wike for his selfless service to the people of Rivers State and his support of the judiciary as his primary constituency.
Justice Tsoho, however, lamented that the frequent postings and transfers of Federal High Court Judges, due to the peculiar nature of their jobs, meant that they were denied various forms of policies that enhance the welfare of judges and justices, both serving and retired, since they are not likely to be posted to their states of origin.
He therefore appealed to the FCT Minister to allocate land in the FCT to serving Federal High Court Judges as a form of recognition for their services nationwide, which he said makes them federal citizens.
Also in attendance were Hon. Justices G.K. Olotu, B.F.N. Nyako, I.E. Ekwo, and D.U. Okorowo, and senior officials of the FCTA.
