Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has condemned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for gifting houses and cars to judges, calling it unethical and unconstitutional.
Falana argued that Wike’s actions are a breach of the judiciary’s autonomy, which is enshrined in the Constitution.
He emphasized that the judiciary has financial autonomy and should manage its own budget, rather than relying on gifts from the executive.
Falana also pointed out that Wike’s position as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is similar to that of a state governor, and his budget should be limited to the affairs of the FCT.
Therefore, he cannot justify giving gifts to judges in federal high courts, appeal courts, and the Supreme Court.
Moreover, Falana highlighted the conflict of interest in Wike’s actions, as the executive should not be seen as influencing judges who may preside over cases involving the government.
He stressed that the theory of equality before the court prohibits such gifts.
Falana said: “The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates like a state governor by virtue of section 299 of the Constitution.
“So, he cannot say I am going to build 40 houses, 10 shall go to the federal high court, 10 shall go to judges in the FCT high court and 10 shall go to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, no.
“Because you are a minister of the Federal Government like a state governor your budget is limited to the affairs of the FCT.
“So, you cannot as the head of the FCT be dishing out gifts of cars, houses to judges in the federal high court, in the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court.
“Number two, you have cases before these courts, on the theory of equality before the court you cannot be seen to be giving cars or houses to the judges who are going to determine your cases.”
Additionally, Falana criticized Wike’s demolition of private properties in the FCT, labeling it as primitive and unlawful.
He explained that demolitions must follow a due process, involving the Urban and Regional Planning Board, the Urban and Regional Tribunal, and potentially the High Court.
He said: “In the FCT, if a house has breached the law, the case must first be taken to the Urban and Regional Planning Board.
“If the property owner loses, they can appeal to the Urban and Regional Tribunal. If that fails, the case may go to the High Court, where an order for demolition may be issued.”
