“Stop Wike, Govs. from inducing judges with cars, houses” – SERAP urges Tinubu

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP), has urged President Bola Tinubu to �stop� the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Nigeria�s 36 State governors from �usurping the authority and responsibilities of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Heads of courts through the giving of cars and houses to judges�.

According to SERAP, in a letter issued yesterday, dated Nov. 9, 2024, and signed and released by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, these actions likely indicate that the Judiciary is becoming submissive to the Executive arm of Government.

SERAP also urged the President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, �to challenge in court the constitutionality and legality of the practice of members of the executive giving cars and houses to judges in Abuja and across the States�.

The organisation asked Tinubu to improve the working conditions and welfare of the nation�s Judiciary �through existing constitutional arrangements and mechanisms�, as his government is constitutionally mandated to �safeguard the rule of law�.

SERAP�s position follows a report from September 24, 2024, when the Federal Executive Council approved the construction of 40 housing units for judges and justices in the FCT.

The FCT Minister disclosed this while addressing State House Correspondents after the 18th Council meeting chaired by the President at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. Wike said the initiative was part of the government�s Renewed Hope Housing agenda to provide secure and convenient accommodation for judicial officers.

Of the 40 units to be constructed in the Katampe District, 20 will be allocated to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal.

The letter, which was copied to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, noted, �Undermining the fundamental principle of separation of powers risks constraining the ability of the Judiciary to act as a check on the Executive�.