Wike promises justices of the Federal High Court that FCTA will support them

According to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, the judiciary’s function is essential to Nigerian democracy’s continued existence.

Wike stated as much on Thursday during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja by a group of judges from the Federal High Court, headed by Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

According to the minister, the judiciary is one of the three branches of government and should not be treated any differently from the other because it is an autonomous branch that is vital to democracy.

He gave his word that the FCT Administration will keep giving the required assistance to improve the court’s functioning in the region.

“I went to the National Assembly yesterday to defend the supplemental budget, and we included the construction of the Court of Appeal’s Abuja division there,” he stated.

Regarding the Federal High Court justices’ request for land allocation, the minister promised that the FCT Administration will grant their request, although he pointed out that it would happen gradually.

In order to promote growth, he also promised to build infrastructure in places where his predecessors had made allocations.

“Do not hesitate to let us solve any other problems you think the administration can help with,” Wike continued.

Barrister Wike was praised earlier by Hon. Justice Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for his unselfish service to the people of Rivers State and for his support of the judiciary, which is his primary constituency.

However, Tsoho bemoaned the fact that Federal High Court Judges were denied access to various policies that would have improved the welfare of judges and justices, both serving and retired, because they were unlikely to be posted to their home states as a result of the unusual nature of their jobs, which led to their frequent postings and transfers.

In appreciation for their work across the country, he made a request to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to provide Federal High Court justices land in the FCT, arguing that this would make them citizens of the federal government.

Senior FCTA officials were also present, along with justices G. K. Olotu, B.F.N. Nyako, I.E. Ekwo, and D.U. Okorowo.