President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, saying the provision of modern infrastructure for the judiciary and legal profession is essential to deepening the rule of law and sustaining democracy.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume at the commissioning of the Office Annex for the Body of Benchers in Abuja’s Institution and Research District, the president described the project as more than an architectural accomplishment, saying it symbolised the federal government’s resolve to build resilient institutions capable of advancing justice and national development.
“It is with profound honour and a great sense of national purpose that I stand before you today to officially commission this state-of-the-art Office Annex for the Body of Benchers.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely a celebration of a beautiful edifice crafted with architectural excellence. It is a resounding affirmation of our administration’s steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the independence of our institutions, and the dignity of the Nigerian legal profession,” he said.
The president added that his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that democracy can only flourish where institutions are strong, independent and adequately equipped to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
“When we took the oath of office, we promised Nigerians a Renewed Hope. We made it clear that democracy cannot thrive in a vacuum, it requires strong, resilient and well-equipped institutions to anchor it,” he said.
He described the Body of Benchers, which oversees admission into the legal profession and enforces professional discipline, as one of the country’s most important legal institutions deserving of infrastructure that reflects its national significance.
“The Body of Benchers stands at the very apex of this institutional framework. It is only fitting that an institution of such monumental national significance is housed in an edifice that reflects its prestige, responsibility and dignity,” he said.
Tinubu added that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference but rather fulfils the constitutional responsibility of the government to support institutions responsible for interpreting and safeguarding the law.
He disclosed that, beyond the newly commissioned annex, the Federal Capital Territory Administration had approved the construction of two 300-capacity hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari to improve students’ welfare, completed the access road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat to Nile University, and commenced work on a new fire service station to serve the district.
Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike attributed the delivery of the project to President Tinubu’s support and prompt release of funds, saying the administration had consistently prioritised projects that strengthen institutions of justice.
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