Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has lauded the contributions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to the legal community, describing them as “exceptional.”
Fagbemi made the commendation during the inauguration of the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex on Wednesday.
He highlighted Wike’s remarkable leadership and steadfast support for the judiciary as unique.
“Your dedication to this project and overall contribution to the legal community have been instrumental in making the construction of the Court of Appeal Complex possible. This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance judiciary infrastructure and capacity, ensuring justice is accessible to all, irrespective of tribe, ethnicity, and religion,” Fagbemi stated.
The minister also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support of the judiciary, noting that the recent salary increment for judicial officers was a testament to this commitment.
“Ensuring that judicial officers are reasonably compensated and motivated to perform their duties with diligence and integrity is a progressive step that will undoubtedly strengthen the judiciary and enhance the administration of justice in our nation,” he added.
Expressing concern, Fagbemi remarked that the judiciary was increasingly becoming the preserve of the elite rather than the common man.
“Gone are the days when the judiciary was regarded as the last hope of the common man. It is now majorly the last hope of the big shots. If you have any doubt, when elections are approaching, come and see the way some people behave like rain-beaten chickens. The judiciary is no longer the last hope of the common man alone; it is majorly now, the last hope of the elite,” he said.
He emphasized that the construction of the Court of Appeal Complex demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and acknowledged the judiciary’s vital role in maintaining peace and order.
“The complex will serve as a beacon of hope for many, providing a conducive environment for the delivery of justice,” he stated.
Yakubu Maikyau, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), also praised Wike’s support for the judiciary.
Maikyau pointed out that, since the creation of the FCT in 1976, 16 ministers have overseen its affairs, but only Wike recognized the need for an appeal court complex.
“It is only today, 48 years after the creation of the FCT, that we have found someone who has justice in him, and this is simply the expression of justice inside of him. We also have someone who knows about justice and the implication of justice, that it is an important component of the existence of this country,” he remarked.
The NBA president commended Tinubu and Wike for demonstrating a clear understanding of the importance of justice to the nation’s existence. He also thanked Tinubu for selecting Wike and Fagbemi, who he said were significantly contributing to strengthening justice administration in the country.
