Court Nullified My Election, But I Still Supported Judiciary — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on state governments to take a more active role in supporting federal judicial institutions located within their territories, saying such facilities serve the people of the host states and should not be left entirely to the Federal Government.

Wike made the call in Abuja during the commissioning of newly completed Court of Appeal judges’ quarters and the commencement of construction of housing units for judges of the National Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal. President Bola Tinubu was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wike said governments at all levels have a responsibility to provide the infrastructure needed for courts to function properly. According to him, states benefit directly from the presence of federal courts because residents rely on those institutions for the resolution of disputes and legal matters.

Drawing from his time as governor of Rivers State, Wike recalled efforts made to establish better judicial facilities in the state. He explained that many cases involving Rivers residents were previously handled in neighbouring Bayelsa State because there was no National Industrial Court division in Rivers.

To address the situation, he said his administration provided the required infrastructure and accommodation for judicial officers after discussions with court authorities.

According to him, the project helped bring judicial services closer to residents and removed the burden of travelling outside the state for court proceedings.

Wike also recounted an experience involving the Court of Appeal during his political career. He noted that although an appellate court once nullified his election, he did not allow that decision to affect his support for the judiciary. Instead, he continued to improve the living and working conditions of judges and justices because he believed the larger interest of the people should come first.

He said withholding support from judicial institutions because of personal grievances would ultimately hurt citizens who depend on the courts. For that reason, he chose to continue investing in facilities for judges rather than waiting for federal intervention.

The minister maintained that relying solely on the Federal Government to provide infrastructure for courts could slow development in the sector. He therefore urged governors across the country to take similar steps by supporting federal judicial institutions within their states.

The event formed part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory Administration to improve facilities for judicial officers and strengthen the justice system through better infrastructure and welfare support.