By Kenneth Orusi, Managing Editor
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has said that a previous electoral setback at the Court of Appeal did not deter him from supporting the judiciary through the provision of critical infrastructure, stressing that governance should always be guided by public interest rather than personal grievances.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday June 16, 2026, during the commissioning of newly completed Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters and the flag-off of the construction of residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Katampe District, Abuja.
The event was performed on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, Wike recalled that the Court of Appeal had nullified his election victory, a decision that could have influenced his perception of the judiciary.
However, he said he chose to place the interests of the people above personal experiences.
According to him, despite the ruling, his administration went ahead to provide accommodation and other facilities for judicial officers because of the vital role the judiciary plays in sustaining democracy and the rule of law.
As monitored live on News Central Television, by The Story, Wike said governance requires leaders to rise above personal sentiments and focus on strengthening institutions that serve the public.
“Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa was President of the Court of Appeal when my election was nullified. But governance is not about personal feelings.
“The people would have been the losers if we failed to support the judiciary because of political experiences,” he said.
The FCT Minister noted that judicial institutions remain critical to national development, investment confidence, social stability and the protection of citizens’ rights, adding that governments at all levels must support the welfare and operational effectiveness of judges.
He challenged state governments to emulate efforts aimed at improving judicial infrastructure, arguing that courts located within states directly serve their residents and therefore deserve the support of state authorities.
“The Federal Government cannot do everything alone. State governments must also provide accommodation and other necessary facilities for judicial officers serving within their jurisdictions,” Wike stated.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Fagbemi commended the FCT Administration for prioritising investments that strengthen the justice sector.
He described the project as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing judicial independence through improved welfare and infrastructure.
According to him, providing judges with secure accommodation and conducive working environments contributes significantly to institutional efficiency and the effective delivery of justice.
“The judiciary remains one of the most important pillars of our democracy. Every investment made towards strengthening judicial institutions is an investment in peace, stability and national development,” Fagbemi said.
In her vote of thanks, the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, praised President Tinubu for his continued support for the judiciary and commended Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for their commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure projects.
She expressed confidence that the new facilities would improve the welfare, security and productivity of judicial officers, ultimately enhancing justice delivery across the country.
The newly commissioned project comprises residential quarters for Justices of the Court of Appeal, while construction has commenced on additional accommodation for judges of the National Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government and the FCT Administration to modernise public infrastructure and strengthen institutions that underpin democratic governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
