ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep concerns over perceived inefficiencies and inconsistencies within the judiciary, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms to restore confidence in the nation’s legal system.
Speaking during a live coverage on Sunday in Abuja, Wike highlighted cases of judicial manipulation and delays, which he described as detrimental to governance and justice delivery.
He cited instances where courts were used to settle political disputes rather than uphold the rule of law, noting that such practices undermine the judiciary’s integrity.
“The judiciary must be above reproach and serve as the last hope of the common man. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a slow erosion of its credibility due to actions that prioritize personal or political interests over justice,” he said.
Wike also raised concerns about the arbitrary assignment of political cases to certain judges, alleging a lack of transparency and fairness in judicial processes. He called for stricter oversight by judicial authorities to prevent biases and ensure equitable administration of justice.
“These practices divide the judiciary, creating factions among judges loyal to different interests. This cannot continue if we are to maintain the integrity of our legal system,” Wike stated.
The minister reiterated his commitment to supporting judicial independence while advocating for reforms to address systemic issues. He urged stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Judicial Council (NJC), to work together in safeguarding the judiciary’s reputation.
“Every citizen deserves access to a fair and impartial judicial process. We must act now to rebuild trust and ensure that the judiciary fulfills its constitutional mandate without interference,” Wike concluded.
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