Discharge Your Duties Without Fear Or Favour- Tinubu Charges Judiciary
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a strong charge to Nigerian judicial officers to maintain an unwavering, fearless, and transparent commitment to the dispensation of justice, asserting that the nation expects nothing less in return for government’s efforts to improve their welfare and security.
The President gave the charge on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Abuja during the commissioning of 20 newly constructed residential quarters for Judges of the FCT High Court in the Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory.
Represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, President Tinubu made it clear that while his administration is committed to shielding the judiciary from discomfort, judges must reciprocate by delivering justice strictly on its merits.
“To our lordships who will occupy these quarters: This country looks up to you”, President Tinubu declared. “As we provide infrastructure to make your lives easier and your service safer, we only ask in return for your unwavering commitment to the swift, fair, and transparent dispensation of justice. Not favor for government, or for any gain. Let these quarters be a daily reminder of the trust the nation has placed in you. Let this be a home for deep reflection, integrity, and honour”.
Addressing concerns surrounding executive intervention in judicial welfare, President Tinubu reiterated that providing decent housing is a basic necessity for judicial independence, not an attempt to compromise it.
The President emphasized that the project is a distinct intervention that does not touch the statutory budget of the judiciary, which remains entirely intact and respected.
“We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their basic comfort, security, and peace of mind are left to chance”, the President stated, adding that, “True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers… This intervention is a deliberate shield against vulnerability, a statement that Nigeria values those who interpret our laws.”
The Katampe housing project for the FCT High Court judges, comprising 20 fully furnished 5-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters, marks Day 26 of a series of project commissions celebrating the third anniversary of the administration. It follows the recent handover of 10 units for Court of Appeal Judges and another 10 for Federal High Court Judges in the same district.
Speaking at the event, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, explained that the project was born out of direct presidential directives to enhance the security, dignity, and independence of the FCT judiciary.
Addressing previous criticisms regarding land acquisition for the project, Barr. Wike noted that his actions had been vindicated. He said the land, originally held by Julius Berger PLC, was acquired in the overriding public interest to serve the nation’s temple of justice.
The Minister also announced plans to seek formal approval from President Tinubu to transition the residences to an owner-occupier basis for the judges.
“I can assure you that we are going to seek approval of the President”, Barr Wike remarked, expressing confidence that with the backing of the Attorney General, the approval will be obtained.
Barr. Wike also revealed plans to complete other ongoing residential quarters for heads of courts before the end of the year. He said, “Before the first tenure of Mr. President expires, we will have gone far in the construction of 20 more residences for FCT Judges”.
He commended the contractor, Details 2 Dot, for delivering the project within 18 months, emphasizing that the FCTA only awards contracts when cash flow is fully secured to prevent abandoned projects. He also stressed the critical need for top-tier maintenance of the new facilities.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court expressed profound gratitude to both President Tinubu and Barr. Wike for transforming a vision conceived two years ago into a reality. He stated that a supportive environment is vital for judicial officers to discharge their duties with courage and clarity of mind.
“As beneficiaries, we do not take this gesture for granted. We receive it with humility, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to duty”, the Chief Judge pledged, affirming that the FCT High Court will continue to dispense justice fairly, fearlessly, and without favour.
Also speaking, the Head of Service of the FCTA, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, thanked President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their legislative oversight, while commending the FCT leadership for translating executive vision into tangible urban transformation that elevates the working conditions of Nigeria’s judicial arbiters.
The acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, while presenting the technical overview, stated that out of a total of 40 residential quarters for judges, 20 of them were for FCT High Court judges.
He explained that the project was designed to provide secure, functional, and comfortable residential accommodation for judicial officers to enhance the delivery of justice and the sustenance of the rule of law in the Federal Capital Territory.
Engr. Dauda further disclosed that the contract for the construction of the residences was awarded to Details-2-Dot Nigeria Limited in September, 2024, and that each unit was a 5-bedroom duplex with boys’ quarters and facilities such as a supermarket, asphalt-paved roads, water, a gymnasium, a standby generator and perimeter fencing.
