Tinubu: Strong Institutions Are Foundation of Democracy as Wike Delivers Body of Benchers Annex

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, saying the provision of modern facilities for the judiciary and legal profession remains vital to protecting the rule of law and sustaining democracy.

The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, spoke on Tuesday during the commissioning of the new Office Annex for the Body of Benchers in Abuja’s Institution and Research District.

Tinubu described the new building as more than just another public project, saying it reflects the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen institutions responsible for justice and national development. He said the Renewed Hope Agenda places priority on building strong and independent institutions capable of carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

According to him, democracy can only succeed when public institutions have the resources and facilities needed to function effectively. He said the Body of Benchers, which oversees admission into the legal profession and handles disciplinary matters involving lawyers, occupies an important place in Nigeria’s legal system and deserves infrastructure that matches its responsibilities.

The President stated that providing support for the judiciary through infrastructure should not be seen as interference by the executive but as part of government’s duty to ensure institutions responsible for interpreting and protecting the law can perform effectively.

He disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration had also approved the construction of two hostels with a combined capacity of 300 students for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari. He added that the administration had completed the access road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat to Nile University and had also begun work on a new fire service station to serve the area.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering major infrastructure projects across Abuja. He said the minister had fulfilled the assignment given to him to improve the nation’s capital through road construction, urban renewal and public infrastructure.

The President listed projects such as the Court of Appeal Complex, Judges’ Quarters, the Outer Southern Expressway and the newly completed Body of Benchers annex as examples of the administration’s development efforts in the Federal Capital Territory.

He also urged the leadership of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), to use the facility to promote justice, legal reforms, mentorship and professional development. Tinubu assured judicial officers of continued government support through improved welfare, accommodation and better working conditions.

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, credited the successful delivery of the project to President Tinubu’s approval and timely release of funds. He explained that the request for additional office accommodation was first presented by a former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo (SAN), after the annual budget had already been passed.

Wike said he approached the President with the proposal, after which it was included in the supplementary budget and later approved by the National Assembly. He also disclosed that another request by the Body of Benchers to address traffic challenges around the institution had already been resolved through the construction of a new access road expected to be commissioned by the Vice President.

The minister assured members of the Body of Benchers that the FCT Administration would continue to support the justice sector and remain open to future requests that would improve the institution’s operations.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), described the annex as a major addition that would improve legal education, professional discipline and the administration of justice. He also called for continued cooperation between government and development partners to sustain investments that improve access to justice and protect public infrastructure.

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, who delivered the vote of thanks, said the new annex would serve as a centre for legal service, mentorship, ethical standards and professional excellence while supporting the Body of Benchers in carrying out its responsibilities within Nigeria’s justice system.