The judiciary is a very important arm of our democracy and the final hope of the common man.
Judges are meant to be heard and not seen. The task of handling complicated cases without fear or favor demands some level of obscurity and reservation.
The justice system is very essential to building an egalitarian society, so when that system appears to be compromised, the foundational structure of our society is threatened.
The recent housing project for judges, initiated in Abuja by Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has sparked reactions from different quarters. While some applaud it as a necessary move to ensure judicial independence, affordability, and comfort for our judges, others have criticized it as a misplaced priority in the face of Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges, poverty, and deprivation in the country.
The project is not an initiative of Minister Wike; it was approved by the legislature, a policy and brainchild of President Bola Tinubu aimed at enhancing judges’ welfare. The project was included in the 2024 budget and approved by the National Assembly. Tinubu’s rationale was to provide judges with secure housing to shield them from potential compromises and to promote the integrity of the judiciary.
Critics, however, argue that such projects may raise ethical concerns about undue influence on judicial decisions.
Civil society groups and some legal professionals have argued that addressing the judiciary’s challenges goes beyond housing and requires broader institutional reforms. These critics emphasize that while welfare improvements are important, the judiciary also needs strengthened infrastructure, better case management systems, and reforms to curb delays in the justice process.
Governor Wike, as Governor of Rivers State, built residences for judges. He asserted that such welfare measures should be celebrated rather than criticized, as they aim to uphold the independence and functionality of the judiciary.
While the housing project appears well-intentioned, its timing and broader implications remain debatable. The initiative underscores the delicate balance between supporting judicial welfare and addressing more systemic issues within Nigeria’s judiciary and governance.
Most Nigerians have felt slighted by the government. This resentment leads to a perceived bias against leadership, and the judiciary becomes a victim.
There have been accusations of judiciary bias and justice being sold to the highest bidder.
This does not help the image of the judiciary. The housing project, as a result, becomes controversial.
The constitution allows for overlap between the different arms of government.
Building housing directly for judges could alter their independence. It might create a perception of obligation towards the government, undermining public trust in the judiciary’s impartiality.
Housing is only one of many challenges facing Nigeria’s judiciary. Issues such as case backlogs, underfunded court systems, and lack of technological integration are more pressing concerns that could improve the efficiency of justice delivery.
Constructing housing for a select group of professionals may place unnecessary financial strain on national or state budgets, especially if more inclusive or systemic welfare reforms could achieve broader impact.
Focusing on judges alone might create resentment among other public servants, like doctors, teachers, or police officers, who also face similar housing challenges but are not receiving comparable benefits.
Meanwhile, secure housing removes judges from potentially compromising situations where they might live in rented properties owned by individuals or entities that could influence their decisions. This separation fosters greater independence and impartiality.
Secure accommodation shows recognition of the demanding and critical nature of judicial work. This can boost morale and job satisfaction among judges, contributing to a more effective judiciary.
Judges are often targets due to the sensitive nature of their duties. Dedicated housing in secure locations helps protect them and their families from potential threats.
Stable housing allows judges to focus on their work without distractions or concerns about frequent relocations, enabling them to handle cases more effectively.
Ubong Usoro writes for Nigeria Magazine
