Body of Benchers Commends FCT Minister, Presents Award of Excellence
A delegation from the Body of Benchers, led by Chairman Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and Vice Chairman Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, visited FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike on March 28, 2025, at his Life Camp residence in Abuja. They came to thank him for his support for the judiciary and contributions to the legal profession.
Chief Awomolo praised Wike for helping the legal profession and judiciary. He highlighted Wike’s role in building accommodations for judges and an office complex for the Body of Benchers in the FCT and Rivers State.
He described Wike as a strong representative of the legal profession in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. He also mentioned the President’s personal praise for the Minister. To honor his efforts, the Body of Benchers gave Wike an Award of Excellence.
Wike Pledges Support for Judiciary
In his response, Barrister Wike thanked the delegation and promised to keep supporting judicial development. He assured them that projects like the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal and housing for judges followed due process, with approval from the President and National Assembly.
Wike announced plans to build 20 more houses for FCT High Court judges. He also plans to digitalize court proceedings and set up a fire station.
“I will do my best to improve the judiciary. Whatever is needed, I am ready to help,” Wike said.
Land Revocation: Wike Defends Policy
Wike dismissed claims of political bias in recent land revocations. He explained the case of Wadata Plaza, which houses the PDP headquarters. He stated that the property was not registered in PDP’s name and that the owners failed to pay ground rent for 23 years.
“They say I revoked PDP’s secretariat. Let them show a document proving PDP owns it. They made billions selling forms but couldn’t pay N7 million for 23 years,” Wike stated.
He insisted that FCTA’s land policies are fair. “If you don’t pay, we revoke it. We need funds for projects, not excuses,” he said. He also noted that even INEC and CBN had to clear their debts to avoid revocation.
High-Profile Delegation Joins Visit
The delegation included Hon. Justice Kayode Ariwoola (former Chief Justice of Nigeria), Hon. Justice Ishaq Bello (former FCT Chief Judge), Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama (SAN), and other top legal experts.
During the visit, Chief Awomolo and Justice Ariwoola presented a gift to Wike. The meeting ended with a group photograph to mark the occasion.
