Law professor and former National Human Rights Commission Chairman Chidi Odinkalu recently expressed his opinions on why Nigerian judges value Minister Nyesom Wike in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He also highlighted Wike’s clout in the legal community…. CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶️▶️
Odinkalu pointed out that Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has earned praise from judges for providing them with luxury vehicles and housing, however, Odinkalu warned that such gestures could raise concerns about the neutrality of the judiciary, which is supposed to remain independent.
“From buying luxury vehicles to allocating houses to judges, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory @GovWike is lauded like a rock star in judicial circles,” Odinkalu wrote.
His statement comes amid growing concerns about the relationship between the judiciary and political figures in Nigeria.
Many argue that such close ties could affect the impartiality of judges and erode public confidence in the judicial system.
Odinkalu also referred to a past incident involving Justice Mohammed Liman, a judge in Port Harcourt.
Armed federal agents reportedly tried to arrest Justice Liman at his home, however, Wike, then governor of Rivers State, intervened by mobilizing his supporters to prevent the arrest.
This intervention raised questions about Wike’s influence over the judiciary and the extent to which judges might feel indebted to him.
Many fear that judges could be less inclined to rule impartially in cases involving the government or Wike’s interests.CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶️▶️
