The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to halt the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Nigeria’s 36 state governors from “overstepping the National Judicial Council’s authority” through the provision of cars and housing to judges. SERAP contends that these gifts risk making the judiciary appear beholden to the executive branch, thus threatening its independence.
In a letter dated November 9, 2024, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP also called on Tinubu to direct Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi to challenge the constitutionality of these practices. According to SERAP, executive interference with judges’ welfare undermines judicial autonomy and contravenes constitutional principles of separation of powers.
SERAP’s request follows a recent Federal Executive Council approval to build 40 housing units for judges under the government’s Renewed Hope Housing agenda. The letter expressed concern that such practices lack constitutional backing, urging Tinubu to fund judicial welfare through established mechanisms rather than executive gifts.
SERAP warned that if no action is taken within seven days, it would pursue legal measures to compel the government and state attorneys general to uphold judicial independence in line with Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations.
