ABUJA — The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of compromising the independence of the Nigerian Judiciary through what they describe as “bribery” disguised as welfare.
Paul Ibe, Atiku’s spokesperson, alleged that the judiciary has “sold its integrity” in exchange for land and luxury housing in the Federal Capital Territory. The outcry follows the construction of 40 housing units for judges, a project initiated by Wike which critics claim acts as an illegal inducement to the bench.
“Wike holds the keys to the Federal High Courts,” Ibe stated, warning that the opposition’s faith in the courts has eroded. Legal activists have reinforced this stance, labeling the gifts an “unconstitutional invitation to corruption” given Wike’s frequent status as a litigant in matters involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the FCT Administration.
While the Minister maintains the project is strictly to ensure the comfort and security of judicial officers, the opposition insists that providing such high-value assets directly to judges—rather than through the National Judicial Council (NJC)—is a strategic move to secure favorable rulings.
