Wike calls on professional bodies to prioritize development

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday urged professional associations to shift their focus from continual public criticism of government to the delivery of concrete development within their own institutions.

Wike delivered the remarks in Abuja while receiving delegates of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Albert Akpomudje, during a courtesy visit to his residence in Life Camp.

He argued that leadership should be judged by legacy projects and reforms achieved during a tenure, rather than by frequent media criticism of government policies.

“You cannot occupy a position, and all you do is criticise the government every day. People will ask you: while you had the opportunity, what did you do for your profession?” Wike asked.

The minister praised the successive leaderships of the Body of Benchers for adopting a more pragmatic approach, such as seeking government assistance to improve infrastructure for the legal profession.

“You are not the first chairman of the Body of Benchers, but you came with requests that will improve the institution and open up the area for everybody. That is leadership,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor disclosed that key infrastructure projects for the body were nearing completion, including its annex building, which he said would be delivered by June. He also noted that the access road around the Nigerian Law School and EFCC Academy corridor was already 98 per cent finished.

He approved an additional request for an access road to the Body of Benchers annex, directing FCT Administration officials to assess the proposal and incorporate it into ongoing works.

While acknowledging the role of criticism in governance, Wike warned against what he described as unproductive commentary from professional groups.

“Constructive criticism is good, but not the kind where nobody sees anything good in what the government is doing,” he stated.

He also defended government investment in judicial infrastructure, including housing for judges, arguing that such support strengthens institutions rather than compromising their independence.

“If the government provides accommodation for judges, people say they are compromised. But when the NBA goes about seeking support from the government, nobody talks about compromise,” Wike said.

According to him, professional bodies should concentrate on identifying challenges within their sectors and collaborating with the government to address them.

“If you are president of an association and all you do is attend television programmes to criticise the government, that is not enough. What did you attract for your members? What did you improve?” he queried.

Earlier, Akpomudje praised the FCT Administration for ongoing infrastructural development across Abuja, particularly projects linked to the legal sector.

He said the Body of Benchers appreciated the completion of its annex building, the ongoing fire service station, and road construction within its complex.

“Roads are being constructed and upgraded daily, both in the city centre and rural areas. Indeed, this is what governance should be,” he said.

Akpomudje also emphasized the importance of cooperation among the executive, legislature, and judiciary in strengthening democratic institutions and improving access to justice across Nigeria.