Body of Benchers honours Wike for supporting judiciary

The Body of Benchers has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his contributions to the legal profession, describing him as a valued representative of the esteemed body.

During a visit to Wike in Abuja on Friday, the chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, highlighted the minister’s longstanding support for the judiciary.

Awomolo explained that the Body of Benchers comprises legal practitioners of the highest distinction, overseeing the formal call to the bar and maintaining professional discipline within the legal community.

“The Body of Benchers, as we all know, represents men and women of the highest distinction in our profession,” Awomolo stated. “We are regarded as the soul, the coordinator, or the spirit that guides the legal profession, including the administration of justice.”

He noted that the delegation’s visit was to express gratitude for Wike’s interventions in judicial matters, which were not limited to the Federal Capital Territory but extended to Rivers State during his tenure as governor.

Acknowledging Wike’s contributions, Awomolo added, “This afternoon, I am honoured to lead the delegation of the Body of Benchers to say thank you for being a faithful member of the body.”

He further emphasized the minister’s role in the legal profession within the government, stating, “You are a good representative of the legal profession in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu. The president even called you a good man during a live interview on national television. Nothing can be better than that.”

Awomolo commended Wike for initiatives such as the construction of judicial accommodations, describing them as a “responsive intervention” that upholds the separation of powers among the three arms of government.

He also used the opportunity to introduce the incoming chairman of the Body of Benchers, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, while seeking Wike’s continued support for the judiciary.

In response, Wike reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening the legal profession and judiciary. He explained that the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, the Annex Office Complex of the Body of Benchers, and the Judges’ Quarters were all approved by President Tinubu and the National Assembly.

“Without the approval of the budget, it would have been very impossible for me to support the Body of Benchers and the judiciary in general,” Wike stated.

He further defended his contributions, saying, “To me, whatever I can do to support the profession I belong to, I will do, and I owe nobody an apology for supporting to enhance the performance of the judiciary.”

The minister added that the ongoing development of staff quarters at the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, and the planned construction of two new hostels in the 2025 budget were part of efforts to support the legal profession.

“I will not miss this opportunity to contribute to the growth of the legal profession,” Wike concluded.