President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, declaring that the provision of modern infrastructure for the judiciary and legal profession is essential to deepening the rule of law and sustaining democracy.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the commissioning of the Office Annex for the Body of Benchers in Abuja’s Institution and Research District, the President described the project as more than an architectural accomplishment, saying it symbolised the Federal Government’s resolve to build resilient institutions capable of advancing justice and national development.
“It is with profound honour and a great sense of national purpose that I stand before you today to officially commission this state-of-the-art Office Annex for the Body of Benchers,” Tinubu said.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely a celebration of a beautiful edifice crafted with architectural excellence. It is a resounding affirmation of our administration’s steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the independence of our institutions, and the dignity of the Nigerian legal profession.”
The President said his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that democracy can only flourish where institutions are strong, independent and adequately equipped to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
“When we took the oath of office, we promised Nigerians a Renewed Hope. We made it clear that democracy cannot thrive in a vacuum; it requires strong, resilient and well-equipped institutions to anchor it.”
He described the Body of Benchers, which oversees admission into the legal profession and enforces professional discipline, as one of the country’s most important legal institutions deserving of infrastructure that reflects its national significance.
“The Body of Benchers stands at the very apex of this institutional framework. It is only fitting that an institution of such monumental national significance is housed in an edifice that reflects its prestige, responsibility and dignity,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference but rather fulfils the constitutional responsibility of government to support institutions responsible for interpreting and safeguarding the law.
He disclosed that, beyond the newly commissioned annex, the Federal Capital Territory Administration had approved the construction of two 300-capacity hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari to improve students’ welfare, completed the access road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat to Nile University, and commenced work on a new fire service station to serve the district.
The President reserved special commendation for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, saying the minister had fulfilled the mandate to transform Abuja into a modern and functional capital city.
“When I appointed Wike, I gave him a clear mandate to transform Abuja into a modern, functional and world-class capital city. Over the last three years, the scale of infrastructural development, urban renewal and project delivery in the FCT has been unmatched,” he said.
He listed the Court of Appeal Complex, Judges’ Quarters, the Outer Southern Expressway and several other landmark projects as evidence of what he described as Abuja’s ongoing renaissance.
“The timely completion and handover of this Body of Benchers Annex is yet another feather in that cap of accelerated governance. It shows that when leadership is focused, things get done, and they get done right.”
“My administration will continue to play its part, ensuring that our judicial officers are well-housed, well-remunerated and provided with the tools to dispense justice without fear or favour,” he added.
