By The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for what he described as double standards in its public condemnation of Supreme Court judgments while accepting financial contributions without scrutiny.
Speaking during a meeting with the Body of Benchers at his residence in Life Camp, Abuja, Wike expressed concern over how judges are treated, noting that they live in fear of corruption allegations even in social settings.
“We have scared our judges to a point where they cannot greet people in public without fear of being accused of bribery,” he said, stressing the need to protect the judiciary from undue political and religious influence.
Wike announced plans to construct new male and female hostels at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, pending budget approval. He also promised additional staff housing projects and the digitization of the FCT High Court to modernize legal processes.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s legal system, urging lawyers to uphold discipline and integrity while emphasizing that government support for the judiciary is not an attempt to interfere in legal proceedings.
The minister also warned that government agencies like INEC and the CBN risk losing revoked lands if payments are not made soon. Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Chairman of the Body of Benchers, praised Wike’s contributions to the legal profession and urged him to continue his efforts.
