The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has fired back at critics accusing him of trying to influence the judiciary by building houses for judges and justices in the FCT.
Wike, who spoke during an inspection of the ongoing construction of Judges’ Quarters and access road to the quarters from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by N16 at Katampe District, Abuja, on Friday, said he was not bothered by the criticisms.
“Who are those criticising? I don’t think of that; I am not bothered,” Wike said. “Once you have a provisional approval to go ahead and the backing of the National Assembly, what’s my business with those who are criticising?”
He added, “These are people who, even when you give them the opportunity, they cannot do anything. So, forget about those criticisms.
“If you have not done it, they are the ones that will complain that the environment in which our judges and justices are working is not conducive.
“Now we are trying to provide an environment that will make them work well. They are saying oh! And given another reason. Don’t bother yourself, just move on and do your work.
“So, I’m not bothered about the so-called criticism. It does not exist where I am.”
Wike also inspected the construction of the extension of Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III.
The minister had, on October 21, inaugurated the construction of the 40 housing units for judicial officers of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and FCT High Court. However, he came under criticism, with some Nigerians saying the move was a scheme to influence the judiciary.
Wike also said that the responsibility of President Bola Tinubu-led administration was to touch the lives of Nigerians.
He said that the residents’ appreciation of what the government was doing was motivating him to work harder.
