The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has made it clear that judicial officers in the country require some basic necessities to be able to function well.
Flagging off the design and construction of 40 housing units Judges Quarters in Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) today, October 21, Justice Keke-Ekun said: “beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to their ability to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them.
“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.
“It goes beyond addressing the basic needs for housing. It reflects the recognition that the mental and emotional wellbeing of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.
“These homes will provide a secure and tranquil environment enabling judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus efficiency and clary of mind.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun also acknowledged the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even as she commended the FCT Administration for its initiative and forward-thinking in implementing the project.
She said that priority placed on the well-being of the judicial Officers reflected the importance placed on their welfare.
The FCT minister, Nyeson Wike, who was among the dignitaries that witnessed the groundbreaking event, stressed the commitment of the Federal Government to safeguarding the rule of law and administration of justice by ensuring the independence of the judiciary.
The Minister highlighted some of the practical steps taken by the government to ensure the independence of the judiciary, including improvements in the condition of service of judicial officers, increment of allowances and salaries as well as the provision of befitting and comfortable accommodation.
“Mr. President said it is not every time that we talk about the independence of the judiciary. We must show in practice; we must show in action that we are indeed not saying so but we are doing so, so that people can see that we are seriously doing that.
“Mr. President said we must at all times provide housing. But that can only be better if you have an owner occupier, so that every judge will know that at the end of the day, as I’m retiring from office; I have my own home.
“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere. When you have a home, what are you afraid of? When you know that salaries and allowances can be paid when you are retired, when you know that your tenure of office is guaranteed, that of course, anybody will be firm and courageous to do his or her work.
“That of course is what Mr. President’s renewed Hope Agenda is doing, not merely talking but by showing in action.”
The Minister explained that the FCT Administration did not limit the provision of accommodation to High Court Judges but also the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal Judges that are rendering services to the residents of the FCT and other Nigerians.
“Mr. President has also approved that by next year, we should also provide for the Industrial Court so that they will also be part of the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Wike said that 70 percent of the budget for the Judges Quarters has been approved and assured of adequate funding for the project. He added that the project has a 15-month completion timeframe and charged the contractor to ensure its timely completion.
“You have only 15 months to hand over well-furnished houses because our judges are doing their best. They are doing a lot of hard work and good work for the country.
Highlights of the event include the presentation of Certificate of Occupancies to the Federal High Court, the FCT High Court and the Court of Appeal respectively, by the Minister and the symbolic stone laying for the project by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
