By Amby Uneze
A Constitutional and human rights lawyer, Ikenna Ahumibe has defended the provision of housing for judicial officers by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration under the leadership of the Minister, Nyesom Wike, stating that such move can be described as 'judicial welfare which is far from compromise.'
The legal practitioner viewed the recent expression by some Nigerians that such provision was aimed to influence the judiciary as not true but a demonstration of deep commitment to the advancement of the Judiciary and the legal profession.
According to him, it is worthy of note that judges are men and women of proven character, learning and integrity who have sworn solemn oaths to uphold the constitution and dispense justice without fear or favour. While no institution is entirely immune from the misconduct of a few individuals, it would be legally and morally untenable to impugn the integrity of the Judiciary as an institution on the basis of isolated allegations or instances of misconduct involving a limited number of judicial officers.
Ahumibe said that the judges housing project is a legitimate welfare initiative designed to improve the living conditions of judicial officers who are indispensable to the dispensation of justice, insisting that across the world, government routinely provide official accommodation and other welfare packages to public servants as part of efforts to enhance their productivity, security, and well-being.
He observed that judicial officers should not be excluded from such considerations, stressing that publicly executed and officially documented welfare projects cannot reasonably be equated with convert efforts to compromise the administration of justice and create any form of indebtedness to the executive.
While commending the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike for consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to the advancement of the judiciary and the legal profession, he added that his actions constitute compelling evidence of the exceptional regard and confidence he reposes in the legal profession and the judiciary as critical institutions in the administration of justice and the preservation of the rule of law within a constitutional democracy.
"Wike's commitment to the advancement of legal and judicial institutions is amply demonstrated through his significant interventions in judicial infrastructure in Rivers State, as opposed to the extended shut down of court operations witnessed in the past.
"He facilitated the completion of a world-class Nigerian Law school campus in Port Harcourt, and contributed significantly to the construction of the state-of-the-art body of benchers auditorium and its access road, which has greatly eased the traffic congestion that traditionally accompanied call to Bar ceremonies, his impact has been substantial and far-reaching.
"Wike's support for legal education is further evidenced by the ongoing construction of additional male and female hostels at the Abuja Campus of the Nigerian Law School, a project aimed at improving the welfare and learning environment of aspiring legal practitioners among other landmark projects," he stated.
Ahumibe described these initiatives as reflection of longstanding dedication of strengthening judicial institutions, improving legal infrastructure and promoting the efficient administration of justice in Nigeria.
"The record of public service demonstrates that not every lawyer entrusted with positions of influence made meaningful contributions to the development of judicial institutions. While some distinguished themselves through impactful reforms and institutional development others became embroiled in allegations of misconduct with some having faced trial and others still answering to pending legal proceedings.
"The housing projects should be evaluated on its merits and the benefits it offers to the judiciary rather than through the lens of political rivalry. In the delivery of developmental projects and infrastructure development, a considerable number of stakeholders believe that Wike's record of service thus far has attracted widespread commendation and stands in sharp contrast to that of some of his predecessors in the FCT.
"There is no statutory or constitutional provision in Nigeria that prohibits the provisions of decent and quality accommodation for Judicial officers. It is equally settled that the provision of such accommodation does not, without more, give rise to any presumption of impropriety or attempt to compromise the independence of the Judiciary," he stated.
The lawyer, therefore, called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to support the minister in all initiatives that advance the legal profession, strengthen judicial institutions, and promote the effective administration of justice, without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
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