The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu is interested in the independence of the judiciary.
Wike said Tinubu’s administration is committed to protecting Nigeria’s judiciary from all forms of manipulation and inducement.
The minister spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of judges’ quarters in the Katampe District of Abuja on Monday.
The quarters, which will contain 40 houses for different categories of judges, have a completion timeline of 15 months.
According to Wike: “Mr President has always asked, How do we ensure the independence of the judiciary? How can the judiciary be truly independent? One of the key factors that guarantee judicial independence is the tenure of judicial officers.
“As the Minister of Justice and Attorney General stated, the president has addressed this by amending the constitution, allowing judicial officers to retire at the age of 70.
“Mr President also emphasised that the conditions of service are critical to judicial independence. If we want to insulate the judiciary from manipulation or interference by either the legislature or the executive, their conditions of service, especially remuneration, are crucial.”