Human Rights Lawyer Slams “Discriminatory” Handover of Katampe Estates, Vows Legal Battle
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has fired a warning shot at the Federal Government – he’s heading to court over the controversial allocation of luxury houses to judges in Abuja’s Katampe district.
In a fiery video shared by NewsCentral on Thursday, the veteran human rights lawyer didn’t hold back, describing the gesture as “discriminatory, illegal, and a slap in the face of other hardworking public servants.”
What’s the Fuss About?
The Federal Government, through FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, recently commissioned 40 luxury judges’ quarters in Katampe, Abuja. President Bola Tinubu has already handed over batches to Federal High Court and Court of Appeal judges on an owner-occupier basis.
But Falana isn’t having it.
Falana’s Blunt Verdict:
“I was watching the telly yesterday, I was very sad when I saw the federal government handing over keys of houses to judges. Under what law are we operating? It’s discriminatory and illegal. You must treat us equally in our country!”
“Judges Deserve Comfort – But So Do Others”
Falana clarified he’s not against judges getting accommodation – they must live comfortably and securely. His bone of contention?
Why are they the ONLY ones getting special treatment?
The Professor Paradox
Falana called out the glaring inequality:
“Professors render critical services to society. They’re poorly paid. Many no longer have staff quarters they live in rented apartments. Where are their houses?”
The Governor Scandal
He also took a swipe at the 21 former governors now in the National Assembly:
. Drawing legislative salaries and jumbo allowances
. Entitled to houses in their home states (from their tenure)
AND entitled to houses in Abuja
“Meanwhile, a civil servant who works 35 years retires with NOTHING!”
“This Is Going to Court – Very Soon”
Falana didn’t mince words:
“What is good for the goose is good for the gander. If you don’t do it equally, you can be challenged – and that is going to happen very soon.”
Critics Call It a “Bribe”
The project has already sparked outrage, with some critics describing the luxury housing gesture as tantamount to bribing the judiciary a serious allegation that raises questions about judicial independence.
Falana is demanding:
· Equal treatment for ALL public servants
· An end to “special privileges” for the rich and powerful
· Respect for constitutional equality before the law
Will the Federal Government back down? Or are we about to witness a landmark legal showdown?
