BODY OF BENCHERS COMMEND FCT MINISTER, FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEGAL PROFESSION, PRESENTS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
A high-powered delegation from the Body of Benchers, led by Chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and Vice Chairman Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Friday, 28th March 2025 at his official Life Camp residence to express gratitude for his unwavering support and contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria.
Chief Awomolo (SAN), while emphasizing the pivotal role of the Body of Benchers as the guiding spirit of the legal profession and the administration of justice in Nigeria, commended the FCT Minister for being a faithful member of the institution.
He acknowledged Barr. Wike’s responsive interventions on matters of the judiciary, particularly highlighting the construction of accommodations for judicial officers and office complex for the Body of Benchers, not only in the FCT but also in Rivers State.
Chief Awomolo described the FCT Minister as a good representative of the legal profession in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu, reiterating the President’s personal commendation of the Minister.
In recognition of his exceptional service, the Body of Benchers presented the FCT Minister with an award of excellent service.
Chief Awomolo, used the opportunity to brief the Minister on the Body of Benchers’ reformative initiatives, including the introduction of technology in legal proceedings and efforts to improve the future of the legal profession by empowering young lawyers.
In his response, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike thanked the delegation for their visit and assured of his commitment to the development of the judiciary and the legal profession.
He clarified that the provision of accommodations and other infrastructure projects for the judiciary followed due process, with appropriation by the National Assembly and approval by the President.
The Minister, while reiterating his support for the judiciary, highlighted the construction of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal and the provision of accommodations for judges and justices as part of efforts to provide a conducive environment for the judiciary.
He added that budgetary provisions have been made to construct 20 more houses for the FCT High Court to address accommodation challenges, in addition to plans to also digitalize proceedings of the court to reduce manual processes as well as the provision of a fire station.
“Whatever you think we should do, we are going to do it…As far as my conscience is clear, I will do my best to the best of my ability.”
He emphasized that “leadership requires firm decisions adding that he would not be deterred by social media criticisms of his support for the judiciary.
“Like I have always said, when you have an opportunity to contribute towards the development, either of your country or the body you belong to, you must show that you are committed”.
The Minister addressed the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) land revocation , measures rejecting allegations of political bias. He referenced the Wadata Plaza situation, housing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters, emphasizing that the property’s title was not registered in the party’s name and that ground rent had been outstanding for 23 years.
He stated, “They now said I revoked PDP’s secretariat. Ask them to show you the document that bears PDP’s name. Nothing…Meanwhile, when you are collecting money for sale of forms, you made between ₦13 billion to ₦20 billion but to go and pay, for twenty something years, ordinary N7 million, they won’t pay.”
Wike maintained that the FCTA’s land policies prioritize fiscal responsibility. “If you don’t pay, I revoke it. It is our land, and we need funds to execute projects, not sentiments,” he declared, noting that even prominent institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were subject to revocation warnings until they fulfilled their payment obligations.
Also on the delegation were Hon Justice Kayode Ariwoola, immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon. Justice Ishaq Bello, former Chief Judge FCT High Court, Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama and other very distinguished legal professionals.
ANTHONY OGUNLEYE
DIRECTOR OF PRESS
(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)
FCTA/ODP/PR/663
28/03/2025