According to a report by Daily Post Nigeria on Tuesday, 12 May, 2026, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to delivering world-class infrastructure across Nigeria’s capital, declaring that baseless criticism will not deter progress under President Bola Tinubu’s directive.………
Wike made the assertion on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by a high-powered delegation from the Body of Benchers, led by its newly appointed Chairman, Albert Akpomudje, SAN.
The meeting, which blended appreciation with robust policy defense, highlighted the ongoing transformation of the FCT while addressing recent controversies surrounding judicial infrastructure.
The Minister directly responded to sharp criticism from the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN, who had suggested that constructing houses for judges could compromise judicial independence.
Wike dismissed the remarks as unconstructive and counterproductive to national development.
“Government welcomes criticism, but it must be constructive,” Wike emphasized. “What we expect is feedback that helps us identify mistakes and correct them not blanket statements claiming nobody is doing anything good. That is not progress.”
He passionately defended the initiative, arguing that providing decent housing for judges strengthens rather than undermines their independence.
“You cannot bring down your own house. You cannot come to the public and denigrate your own judges and justices,” Wike stated. “They are not carrying the houses back home.
Government is only providing an enabling environment. That alone will give them the independence we are talking about.”
Drawing a pointed comparison, the Minister challenged the NBA’s position by highlighting the association’s own reliance on government support.
