Stop Wike, govs from giving cars, houses to judges, SERAP urges Tinubu

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged President Bola Tinubu to “stop” the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Nigeria’s 36 governors from “usurping the authority and responsibilities of the National Judicial Council and heads of courts through the giving of cars and houses to judges.”

According to SERAP, these actions likely indicate that the judiciary is becoming submissive to the executive arm of government.

This statement is contained in a letter dated November 9, 2024, and signed and released by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, a copy of which was made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday, November 10, 2024.

SERAP also urged the president to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr 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.

SERAP stated, “Such practices are antithetical to the constitutional principles of separation of powers, checks and balances, and the rule of law, and may create the perception that the judiciary is subservient to the executive.

“Politicians ought to keep their hands off the judiciary, respect and protect its integrity and independence. Politicians must treat judges with dignity and respect. The Nigerian Constitution and international standards make clear that the judiciary is neither subservient to the executive nor the legislature.”

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.”

“SERAP urges you to substantially improve funding for the judiciary to enhance their working conditions, welfare, and pensions through existing constitutional arrangements and mechanisms, to uphold the independence and autonomy of the judiciary and to protect judges from executive interference.

“Your government has constitutional and international obligations to promote public confidence in the judiciary and safeguard the rule of law. We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government and the attorneys general of the 36 states to comply with our request in the public interest.

“The reports that members of the executive in the FCT and across several states are giving cars and houses to judges appear to take place without following any constitutional or procedural process, which may have a chilling effect on the rule of law, access to justice, and effective remedies.”

The organisation implored Tinubu to “ensure that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under your leadership stops the practice of approving the construction of houses for judges, as the exercise of such responsibility is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international obligations.”

“Several of Nigeria’s 36 state governors, including those of Abia, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Kogi, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, and Rivers, also reportedly routinely engage in the practices of giving cars and houses to judges in their states,” the letter read, among others.