Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has lauded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike for his impactful leadership, describing him as a leader who prioritizes tangible results.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of 10 blocks of staff quarters at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja, Fagbemi acknowledged Wike’s dedication to developmental projects and commended his no-nonsense approach to governance.
“Love him or hate him, you cannot deny that Wike delivers. He’s a man who takes on projects only when there’s funding to back them. He is a crusader of the principle that contracts without proper funding should not be awarded,” Fagbemi stated. He further added, “Wike’s worth is not measured by bank accounts but by the lives he touches and the legacies he leaves behind.”
The Attorney General expressed regret that the Nigerian Law School is currently excluded from TETFund’s support framework, urging an amendment to the law. He also encouraged other leaders to emulate Wike’s commitment to infrastructure and institutional growth across other campuses.
In his address, Wike maintained his focus on making a meaningful impact, dismissing criticism of his priorities. He challenged his detractors to wait for their chance to lead, affirming his dedication to improving the Nigerian judiciary.
As part of the ongoing reforms, Wike approved the construction of two student hostels, one for males and another for females, at the Nigerian Law School.
“This is a federal government institution, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it has the facilities required for its proper functioning. During my last visit for the Call to Bar ceremony, I was shocked by the deplorable state of the buildings where our lawyers are being trained. This prompted my decision to include the projects in the 2025 budget,” Wike explained.
Advocating for broader institutional support, Wike urged that the Nigerian Law School be included in TETFund’s funding framework. “It’s long overdue. The exclusion of this critical institution from TETFund benefits needs to be addressed without further delay,” he remarked.
Wike reassured stakeholders that the staff quarters project, which includes 10 blocks of four-bedroom units, is fully funded, eliminating the risk of delays. “We must change the narrative of abandoned contracts in Nigeria. This project will be delivered as planned, with no excuses,” he pledged.
The event drew widespread commendations, with Adegboyega Awomolo, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, hailing Wike as a transformative leader whose efforts would be remembered for generations. “Wike’s name will undoubtedly be written in gold for his contributions to the FCT and the Nigerian judiciary,” Awomolo declared.
Richard Unana, Acting Executive Secretary, highlighted the severe accommodation challenges faced by staff at the Law School, emphasizing that the new quarters would provide much-needed relief. The contractor, confident in meeting the timeline, assured that the project would be completed in six months, despite a nine-month projection.
As construction begins, Wike’s dedication to reforming and revitalizing public institutions continues to earn praise, solidifying his reputation as a leader focused on results and meaningful change.
