Wikeurges professional bodies to stop complaining and attract development to their institutions

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, urged Nigeria’s professional bodies to prioritize concrete development for their institutions and members rather than concentrate on public criticism.

Speaking in Abuja, Wike addressed delegates of the Body of Benchers, led by Chairman Albert Akpomudje, during a courtesy visit to his official residence in Life Camp.

He said that leaders of professional associations should be remembered for the projects and reforms they secure while in office, not for frequent television appearances criticizing the government.

“What is leadership all about? At the end of your tenure, what will you say is your legacy?”

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

The minister noted that successive leaders of the Body of Benchers have shown exemplary leadership by consistently seeking government intervention to improve infrastructure and facilities 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.

Wike indicated that, under the current administration, the Body of Benchers’ annex building is close to completion and is expected to be delivered by June, while the access road surrounding the Nigerian Law School and EFCC Academy corridor is already 98 percent finished.

He also approved a new request for an access road to the Body of Benchers annex building, directing the relevant officials of the FCT Administration to assess the proposal promptly and incorporate it into ongoing works.

The minister used the occasion to criticize what he termed “destructive criticism” by some professional groups, emphasizing that constructive engagement with government produces better outcomes.

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

He specifically challenged criticisms of government-built houses for judges, arguing that providing infrastructure and welfare support for judicial officers strengthens institutions rather than compromising them.

“If government provides accommodation for judges, people say they are compromised. But when individuals give money to judges, nobody talks about compromise,” Wike said.

According to him, professional associations should devote more energy to identifying gaps in their sectors and partnering with government to address those gaps.

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

Earlier, His Royal Highness Akpomudje praised the FCT Administration for what he described as remarkable infrastructural transformation across Abuja, particularly projects that benefit the legal profession.

He said the Body of Benchers was grateful for the completion of its annex building, the ongoing fire service station project, and the construction of access roads within the 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 added that collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary remains essential for strengthening democratic institutions and improving access to justice in Nigeria.