Wike urges professional bodies to focus on development

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday urged professional associations to redirect their attention from persistent public criticism of government to the pursuit of tangible development within their own institutions.

Wike made the remarks in Abuja while receiving delegates of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Albert Akpomudje, during a courtesy visit to his residence in Life Camp.

He said leadership should be measured by legacy projects and reforms achieved during tenure, rather than frequent media criticism of government policies.

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

The minister commended successive leaderships of the Body of Benchers for what he described as a more pragmatic approach, such as seeking government support to improve infrastructure 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.

The ex-Rivers State governor disclosed that key infrastructure projects for the body were nearing completion, including its annex building, which he said would be delivered by June. He also noted that the access road around the Nigerian Law School and EFCC Academy corridor was already 98 per cent completed.

He further approved a request for an additional access road to the Body of Benchers annex, directing officials of the FCT Administration to assess and integrate the project into ongoing works.

While acknowledging the role of criticism in governance, Wike warned against what he termed unproductive commentary from professional groups.

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

He also defended government investment in judicial infrastructure, including housing for judges, arguing that such support strengthens institutions rather than undermines their independence.

“If the government provides accommodation for judges, people say they are compromised. But when the NBA goes about seeking support from the government, nobody talks about compromise,” Wike said.

According to him, professional bodies should focus more on identifying challenges within their sectors and collaborating with the government to address them.

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

Earlier, Akpomudje praised the FCT Administration for ongoing infrastructural development across Abuja, particularly projects linked to the legal sector.

He said the Body of Benchers appreciated the completion of its annex building, the ongoing fire service station, and road construction within its 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 also emphasised the importance of cooperation among the executive, legislature, and judiciary in strengthening democratic institutions and improving access to justice across Nigeria.