From Marcel Duru Owerri
African Democratic Congress(ADC) and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) have unanimously condemnedN25 billion for 40 duplexes with recreational facilities for judges, and N1.9bn for four CBT centres in Imo State.Speaking at the Secretariat in Owerri, Imo State Chairman of ADC Professor James Okoloma described judges’ quarters as shameless, unethical and inappropriateadding that It creates the impression that “judicial welfare is dependent on executive benevolence rather than constitutional entitlement.”judges deserve decent accommodation… However; these must not be packaged as personal achievement of government officials or as favours from politicians. They are constitutional obligations of government funded by the Nigerian taxpayers.In his own contribution the acclaim Chairman of NDC Chief Matin Agbaso highlighted that Judicial independence is not measured by buildings commissioned by politicians but by institutional autonomy, financial independence, and security of tenureHe opined that this Governor Hope Uzodimma gesture has creates a dangerous impression that judges’ welfare depends on whims and caprice of government officials.Agbaso further flayed Uzodimma over Pension harmonization, recruitment Primary, Secondary School Teachers, Welfare of Journalists and youth employment promises that have not fulfilled.It could be recalled that recently Imo Commissioner for Information, Strategy Declan Emelumba said N25 billion project is designed to provide a conducive living environment for judicial officers” and improve their welfare.
