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Photos:Judges Quarters: We’re fortifying vital pillar of our democracy – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has said that his administration was providing housing to judicial officers to reinforced the independence of the judiciary and fortify the vital pillar of Nigerian democracy.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, while inaugurating 10 housing units for judges of the Federal High Court, in the newly constructed Judges’ Quarters, at Katampe District.
The President said the project was a deliberate shield against vulnerability, a statement that Nigeria values those who interpret her laws.
“We are here not just to commission buildings but to fortify a vital pillar of our democracy – the judiciary.
”When we embarked on the Renewed Hope Agenda, we made a sacred covenant with the Nigerian people. We promised to revive our institutional trust, secure our nation, and ensure that the rule of law is never compromised nor delayed.
“Today, with the official inauguration of these 10 housing units for judges of the Federal High Court, we are taking a definitive physical step towards fulfilling that promise,” he said.
Tinubu noted that for too long, Nigerians have been talking about the independence of the judiciary in abstract terms, adding however, that the independence requires an independent and secure environment.
“You cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour when their basic comfort, security, and peace of mind are left to chance.
“True judicial independence is rooted in the dignity of our judicial officers. By providing this set of residential quarters, we are ensuring that our Federal High Court judges operate from a place of security, comfort, and stability.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on equity and justice. As we provide infrastructure to make your lives easier, we ask in return for an unwavering commitment to the swift, fair, and transparent dispensation of justice.
“May these homes be centers of deep reflection, integrity, and honour. May the judgments that emanate from your minds continue to strengthen the fabric of our democracy,” he said.
Tinubu pointed out that Nigeria and the nation’s capital is changing, adding that the reforms his administration was putting in place across all sectors might require patience.
He said that while the proof of the reforms were beginning to show, his administration would not relent until every sector – in justice, infrastructure, economy, or security – reflects the true greatness of Nigeria.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he described as “talented, dynamic, and unapologetically committed” for delivering the edifices with high quality.
“When I gave Wike the assignment to transform Abuja into a world-class city, I knew his capacity to deliver. Nyesom Wike, you have not disappointed me.
“In fixing critical road networks and ensuring the timely completion of projects like these judges’ quarters, you have proven that performance is the only currency that matters in public service,” he said.
In his remarks, Wike said that the effort was part of Tinubu’s commitment to an independent judiciary in the country.
“Yesterday, we inaugurated the Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters. Today, we are here for the Federal High Court and in July, we will inaugurate the housing units for the FCT High Court.
“I’m very happy that we are part of this administration that’s changing the narrative,” he said.
The minister disclosed the entire area has been designated as Judges Zone, adding that he had directed Abuja Geographic Information System to effect the change.
Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, noted that the long-standing accommodation challenges facing judges have been a matter of deep concern for decades, noting that the steps to address them were met with mixed reactions in the media.
Tsoho commended Tinubu and Wike for the bold steps taken despite critics in the media to provide befitting accommodation to judges and improve the welfare of judicial officers.
“As judges, while we shape the legal direction of society on a daily basis through the pronouncements we make in the courtroom, we seldom have the occasion to speak publicly without courting controversy or being misunderstood.
“It is deeply encouraging and gives immense hope to the judiciary and the nation at large to see that the welfare of career professionals is being taken seriously.
“This commitment allows our judicial officers to find peace and stability in their vital roles,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the project was awarded in September 2024 for the design and construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters at Katampe District.
Dauda said that 10 of the houses were specifically for the judges of the Court of Appeal.
He said that the scope of work for the project includes the construction of 10 fully furnished 5-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters for each of the houses along with other facilities.
By Prosper Olayiwola
A House of Assembly Candidate for Ikole Constituency 1 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kayode Arewa Sanni, has called on his constituents, party members and supporters to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arewa Sanni made the call in Ikole-Ekiti while addressing party faithful and supporters at a stakeholders’ meeting convened to strengthen grassroots mobilisation in the constituency.
He said the 2027 elections present a defining moment for the people of Ikole Constituency 1 to chart a new course of inclusive representation, people-oriented legislation and accelerated development.
The candidate noted that disunity among party members and supporters remains the greatest obstacle to victory, stressing that only a united front can dislodge entrenched interests and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“I appeal to all our party leaders, members, supporters and well-wishers across Ikole Constituency 1 to put aside personal differences and work together as one family. Our strength lies in our unity,” he said.
Arewa Sanni said his candidacy was driven by a desire to give Ikole Constituency 1 a vibrant and responsive voice in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, with focus on youth empowerment, education, healthcare and rural infrastructure.
He assured constituents that if given the mandate, he would prioritise quality representation and ensure that government presence is felt in all communities within the constituency.
He also called on supporters of the ADC across Ekiti State to rally behind the party’s vision of good governance, transparency and accountability as preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.
The aspirant expressed confidence that with unity, commitment and collective effort, the ADC would emerge victorious in Ikole Constituency 1 and other constituencies across the state.
No fewer than six inmates have died within one week following a suspected cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano State.
Amnesty International raised the alarm in a post on its official Facebook page, calling on authorities to immediately declare an emergency at the correctional facility.
Amnesty said several other inmates were currently receiving treatment, warning that the death toll could be higher as the suspected disease continues to spread among prisoners.
It urged the authorities to immediately transfer critically ill inmates to hospitals for proper medical attention to prevent further deaths.
The organisation warned that failure to urgently intervene could amount to arbitrary deprivation of life, which it described as a serious human rights violation under international law.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the broader conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities, particularly the prolonged detention of inmates awaiting trial.
According to the organisation, detainees without financial means face greater difficulty having their rights protected, with some spending years in custody without being convicted of any crime.
It further said many inmates were being held in overcrowded and unhygienic cells without adequate food and healthcare.
Amnesty called for urgent reforms to improve conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and ensure compliance with international best practices.
Popular media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son while remanded in custody.
The development was confirmed in an online appeal by Amira Agiye, head of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who spoke on Okoro’s behalf to request public financial assistance.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye.
“I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like every one of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption.
She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
Also speaking in a voice conversation played by Amira, Blessing, CEO, said, “My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan.
I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Recall that the self-acclaimed relationship expert was remanded in Kirikiri Prison over an N69.15 million property fraud trial.
She was granted N20 million bail in July 2026, with two sureties in like sum, and each surety was required to provide three years’ proof of deposits valued at N20 million.
Following her inability to meet the bail conditions, Blessing CEO, remains in prison facility two months after she was granted bail.
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