Sowore Criticises FCT Minister for Prioritising Judges’ Luxury Housing Over Doctors and Teachers!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa

Prominent Nigerian activist, journalist, and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has publicly criticised Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, accusing him of neglecting essential public services while allocating substantial resources to high-end housing projects for the judiciary. Sowore’s remarks, delivered through social media and public statements, have intensified national debates over government spending priorities amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.

The controversy revolves around the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)’s construction of luxury seven-bedroom duplexes in Abuja’s Katampe district, designed for judicial officers. These high-cost residences, featuring premium amenities, have drawn public criticism, as many Nigerians continue to struggle with rising living costs. Observers contend that while the initiative benefits the judiciary, frontline workers such as doctors and teachers are largely overlooked in terms of similar government support.

Sowore emphasised that Wike’s administration has disproportionately prioritised judges’ accommodations over critical sectors like healthcare and education. “This government has never built houses for teachers because his children don’t attend Nigerian schools, but is building duplexes for judges because he needs…,” Sowore wrote in a widely circulated online post, highlighting what he described as a misalignment of public priorities.

The debate occurs against the backdrop of broader economic pressures in Nigeria, including inflation and limited access to quality healthcare and education. While the FCT Administration has defended the judicial housing project as necessary to ensure security and institutional independence for judges, critics argue that it reflects misplaced priorities in a nation facing pressing socioeconomic needs.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent figure in federal politics, has not publicly addressed Sowore’s accusations in detail. Previously, the Minister had maintained that the housing project is intended to resolve long-standing accommodation challenges for members of the judiciary.

As discussions continue, Sowore’s intervention has reignited national conversations on governance, resource allocation, and public accountability in Nigeria. Analysts note that the dispute highlights broader societal concerns about equity in government investment and the symbolic impact of high-profile infrastructure projects amid everyday economic struggles for ordinary citizens.

Sources:
Tell Online – Outrage in Nigeria as Wike Inspects Luxury Duplexes for Judges While Millions Struggle

Social media posts by Omoyele Sowore (Facebook)

Statements on FCT housing project and Wike’s stance (Facebook)

Sahara Reporters – reported Sowore criticizing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for prioritizing luxury housing for judges over support for doctors and teachers.

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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