In a recent statement on his official X account, Chidi Odinkalu, a law professor and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, has criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his alleged inducement of judges through housing projects.
Odinkalu’s statements came in response to a comment by an X user.
The user alleged that Wike’s decision to build houses for judges, whose salaries were recently increased by 300%, amounted to open bribery.
The user pointed out the contrast between this move and the dire conditions faced by doctors and teachers as a result of Nigeria’s ongoing economic crisis.
Odinkalu reacted sharply to the post, questioning the motivations behind the minister’s actions.
“If you disagree, just go to #GreedyGlutton, @GovWike & collect a bottle of that thing he consumes. #OpenBribery #Inducement,” Odinkalu wrote.
The FCT Minister’s housing initiative for judges has faced widespread criticism, many Nigerians believe it undermines the independence of the judiciary, especially in a country where judicial rulings are often contentious.
Many argue that such actions could compromise the judiciary’s impartiality, making it more susceptible to political influence.