Dispense Justice Without Fear Or Favour – President Tinubu Charge Judges
Dr. Nafisat Makinɗe, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged judicial officers to uphold fairness, transparency and impartiality in the administration of justice as the Federal Government commissioned 20 residential quarters for judges of the FCT High Court in Katampe District, Abuja.
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu said the housing intervention was designed to strengthen judicial independence by improving the welfare and security of judicial officers, stressing that it does not affect the judiciary’s statutory budget. He said the government expected judges to remain committed to the rule of law and the impartial discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
“We only ask in return for your unwavering commitment to the swift, fair and transparent dispensation of justice. Not favour for government, or for any gain,” the President said, adding that judges should continue to dispense justice “without fear or favour.”
The estate comprises 20 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters for judges of the FCT High Court. The project follows the recent delivery of 10 housing units each for judges of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court in the same district.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the project was executed on the directive of the President to improve the welfare and security of judicial officers. He also defended the acquisition of land previously allocated to Julius Berger Plc, saying it was obtained in the public interest to support the administration of justice.
Wike said the FCT Administration would seek presidential approval to convert the residences to an owner-occupier scheme for the beneficiaries. He added that another 20 housing units for FCT High Court judges are expected to be completed before the end of Tinubu’s first term in office.
Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, said the new residences would provide a conducive environment for judges to carry out their constitutional duties. He pledged that the court would continue to administer justice fairly, fearlessly and without favour.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the contract was awarded to Details 2 Dot Nigeria Limited in September 2024. He said the development is part of a 40-unit housing programme for judicial officers, with 20 units allocated to the FCT High Court, and was designed to provide secure and functional accommodation for judges.