From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Lere Olayinka, has defended his principal, Nyesome Wike against Femi Falana’s criticism regarding the construction of housing for judges.
Falana labelled the initiative unconstitutional and an embarrassment to the judiciary, asserting that the National Judicial Council should manage such provisions.
Olayinka countered that Falana’s remarks were misguided and emotionally charged, emphasising that Wike’s actions are legitimate and necessary for judicial support.
The controversy follows Wike’s recent launch of 40 housing units for judges in Abuja.
Olayinka, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, insisted that there was nothing wrong in the federal government providing accommodations for judges, as well as officials of other arms of government.
According to him, “even though there is separation of powers in a democracy, there is also what is known as checks and balances, meaning that there can be no absolute separation of powers among the three arms of government.”
The minister’s aide said there is nowhere in the world where one arm of government is completely independent of the others.
He recalled that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the construction of 40 housing units for judges and justices in the FCT. Of the 40 units being 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.