The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun has flagged off the design and construction of 40 housing units of Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District of the FCT.
Justice Kekere-Ekun performed the groundbreaking exercise on Monday, October 21, 2024, in the presence of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, principal officers of the National Assembly, Traditional Rulers as well as FCT Area Council Chairmen among others.
According to Assistant Director, Press (Office of the Honourable Minister), Rabi Musa Umar, in a statement, Chief Justice Kereke-Ekun described the exercise as a significant milestone in the continuation of efforts by the Federal Government and the FCT Administration to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the Federal Capital Territory.
She stressed that the provision of comfortable and befitting accommodation for judicial officers is a practical step towards ensuring that they are well supported, adding that it will also provide an environment for Judges to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality and integrity.
“Beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to their ability to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them. Judicial officers require peace of mind, security and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.
“It goes beyond addressing the basic housing needs. It reflects the recognition that the mental and emotional well-being of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.
“These homes will provide a secure and tranquil environment enabling judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus efficiency and clarity of mind”.
Justice Kekere-Ekun who also acknowledged the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, further commended the FCT Administration for its initiative and forward-thinking in implementing the project, which, she said, reflects the importance placed on the welfare of judicial officers.
Speaking earlier, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike emphasized the commitment of the Federal Government to safeguarding the rule of law and administration of justice by ensuring the independence of the judiciary.
The Minister highlighted some of the practical steps taken by the government to ensure the independence of the judiciary, which, he said, include improvements in the condition of service of judicial officers, increment of allowances and salaries as well as the provision of befitting and comfortable accommodation.
“Mr. President said it is not every time that we talk about the independence of the judiciary. We must show in practice; we must show in action that we are indeed not saying so but we are doing so so that people can see that we are seriously doing that.
“Mr. President said we must at all times provide housing. But that can only be better if you have an owner-occupier so that every judge will know that at the end of the day, as I’m retiring from office; I have my own home.
“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere. When you have a home, what are you afraid of? When you know that salaries and allowances can be paid when you are retired, when you know that your tenure of office is guaranteed, that of course, anybody will be firm and courageous to do his or her work.
“That of course is what Mr. President’s renewed Hope Agenda is doing, not merely talking but by showing in action”, Barr. Wike stated.
The Minister also explained that the FCT Administration did not limit the provision of accommodation to FCT High Court Judges but also included the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal Judges who also render services to the residents of the FCT and other Nigerians.
“Mr. President has also approved that by next year, we should also provide for the Industrial Court so that they will also be part of the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.
The Minister also disclosed that 70 percent of the budget for the Judges Quarters has been approved and assured of adequate funding for the project. He added that the project has a 15-month completion timeframe and charged the contractor to ensure its timely completion.
“You have only 15 months to hand over well-furnished houses because our judges are doing their best. They are doing a lot of hard work and good work for the country.
Speaking on how the 5.2-hectare land in Katampe was acquired for the Judges Quarters, the Minister said the land was previously allocated to Julius Berger Plc some 20 years ago but had to be revoked in the overriding interest of the public.
In his goodwill remarks, Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai reiterated the commitment and support of the National Assembly for the FCT Administration, adding that his committee will continue to work with the FCTA to ensure that it achieves its goals of providing infrastructure for the FCT.
The Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, in her remarks thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetima, the National Assembly and other stakeholders for their continued support to the FCT Administration.
Giving a breakdown of project, the Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, said it involves the construction of 40 number residential accommodation, with 10 numbers for the Court of Appeal, 10 for the Federal High Court and 20 for the FCT High Court Judges.
He said the project will also include the provision of access road and other requisite infrastructure that will further enhance the development of other adjoining Districts of Mabushi, Kado and Jahi as well as improve economic activities.
“We are anticipating that not less than 1000 direct and indirect jobs will be created. This is in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.
Highlights of the event include the presenting Certificates of Occupancies to the Federal High Court, the FCT High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria laying the symbolic stone for the project.
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