Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has come under fire from human rights attorney Femi Falana (SAN) for his recent activities in demolishing homes and giving judges cars and housing.
Falana made the case that Wike’s actions were unlawful and unconstitutional during her appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
He emphasized that the National Judicial Council, not state or federal representatives, should oversee housing for judges if they are needed.
Falana emphasized that the National Assembly is the proper avenue for the executive to support the judiciary.
Additionally, he denounced the notion of a state leader, such as Wike, presenting federal judges with presents like automobiles and homes, emphasizing that the Constitution forbids such behavior.
“The proper approach is to go to the National Assembly if the executive wants to assist the judiciary,” he stated. You are able to have an additional budget. The National Assembly should allocate the required funds if it has been determined that the judiciary in Abuja requires housing.
However, the Constitution forbids the minister of the federal capital territory—such as the governor of Kogi, Ondo, or Cross River State—from providing judges in the federal public sector with homes and vehicles.For this reason, this issue must be carefully examined and settled in accordance with the Constitution’s requirements. Of course, judges require homes. Of course, judges require cars. Naturally, they require security. However, these ought to be supplied by the NJC within its budget.
Falana mentioned the states, pointing out that Section 121 of the Constitution stipulates that money should be sent directly to the heads of the courts and that the judiciary’s budget should be approved.
Falana maintained that although judges certainly need cars, housing, and security, the NJC must provide these things within its own financial constraints.
In reference to the demolition issue, Falana denounced as “primitive” and illegal Wike’s use of bulldozers to destroy private properties.
He pointed out that the FCT’s Urban and Regional Planning Act does not permit such demolitions.
“If a house in the FCT violates the legislation, the Urban and Regional Planning Board must be consulted first. The owner of the property may file an appeal with the Urban and Regional Tribunal if they lose. If it doesn’t work, the matter could be taken to the High Court, where a demolition order could be granted.
Falana emphasized that the minister cannot order demolitions on his own without first going through this legal procedure.
