Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his commitment to supporting the judiciary remained unchanged even after the Court of Appeal nullified his election in the past.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during the commissioning of newly completed Judges’ Quarters for the Court of Appeal and the flag-off of residential projects for the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike argued that improving judicial infrastructure should not be left solely to the Federal Government, urging state governors to take greater responsibility for institutions operating within their states.
According to him, courts serve local populations directly and state governments stand to benefit when judicial facilities are properly developed.
Wike cited his experience as governor of Rivers State, recalling that residents once had to travel to Bayelsa State to access Industrial Court services despite most cases originating from Rivers.
He explained that after discussions with the leadership of the Industrial Court, his administration provided land, infrastructure, and accommodation to establish the required facilities locally.
That decision, he said, reduced the burden on residents and improved access to justice.
Reflecting on his relationship with the judiciary, Wike recounted that during Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa’s tenure as President of the Court of Appeal, his election was nullified — a development that could have discouraged support for judicial institutions.
However, he said he chose not to allow personal political experiences influence governance decisions.
Wike noted that refusing to support judicial development would ultimately affect ordinary citizens rather than judicial officers.
He stressed that waiting exclusively for federal intervention often slows development projects and encouraged governors across the country to partner more actively in expanding judicial infrastructure.
“The Federal Government cannot do everything,” Wike said, maintaining that states should invest in courts and related institutions located within their territories to strengthen access to justice and improve service delivery.
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