Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has threatened to sue the Federal Government over the allocation of newly built luxury houses to judges in Abuja, describing the move as discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Falana argued that while judges deserve decent accommodation, it is unfair for the government to provide exclusive housing benefits to one category of public officers while neglecting other civil servants who also render essential services to the country.
He said university lecturers, career civil servants, and other public sector workers should receive similar consideration, stressing that equality before the law must be upheld.
The senior lawyer also criticised the benefits enjoyed by some former governors now serving in the National Assembly, alleging that they continue to receive generous salaries, allowances, and housing privileges while many retired civil servants are left without adequate welfare.
Falana maintained that the government’s decision would soon be challenged in court, insisting that public resources should be distributed fairly and without discrimination.
The housing project, initiated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike, involves the construction of 40 housing units for judges in Katampe, Abuja. The homes are to be allocated on an owner-occupier basis, subject to the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
The project has, however, attracted criticism from some quarters, with critics describing the allocation of the houses as an attempt to unduly influence the judiciary.
