BREAKING: Wike Threatens FCT Judges And Justices
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned judges and justices in Abuja to pay their ground rents or risk losing ownership of their properties.
Wike issued the warning on Monday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Court of Appeal Abuja Division complex as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The President was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended the commissioning ceremony on the fourth day of project inaugurations in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at the event, Wike stressed that sustainable development depends heavily on internally generated revenue, urging residents—including members of the judiciary—to fulfill their civic obligations.
“Development means funding and you can’t have development when there are no funds. All of us are happy and clapping hands, but have you asked yourself a question: have you played your own role as expected of good citizens?” he said.
The FCT minister challenged judicial officers to reflect on how the administration raises funds for infrastructure projects that directly benefit them.
“How many of us here have paid our ground rent and tenement rent? It’s not enough to clap that we are happy; ask where we got the money from,” Wike stated.
In a stern warning directed at judges and justices, he added: “I have seen all the justices smiling, so if you know that you have not paid your ground rent, consider that the land will no longer belong to you. We will give it to those who can pay us ground rent to build public infrastructure.”
Wike also commended President Tinubu for his continued support for the FCT administration, noting that the number of commissioned projects has steadily increased since the beginning of the current administration.
According to him, while nine days were dedicated to project commissioning during the President’s first anniversary in 2024, the figure rose to 19 days in 2025 and has now expanded to 30 days in 2026.
The minister further emphasized the importance of judicial independence, arguing that such independence cannot be fully achieved without adequate infrastructure and conducive working conditions for judges.
“One thing, as the Attorney General has said, is the independence of the judiciary. It is the belief of Mr President that you can’t talk about the independence of the judiciary when judges do not have a befitting environment where they can carry out their functions,” he said.
Wike expressed confidence that the newly completed Court of Appeal complex, equipped with modern technologies, would significantly improve the work environment for judicial officers and enhance the administration of justice in the country.
