Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says professional bodies in Nigeria should focus more on attracting tangible development to their institutions and members instead of engaging in public criticism.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had earlier criticised the involvement of the executive in the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary.
Wike spoke in Abuja on Tuesday while hosting delegates of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Albert Akpomudje, during a courtesy visit at his official residence in Life Camp.
He said leaders of professional associations should be remembered for projects and reforms they attracted while in office, rather than for frequent appearances on television criticising the government.
“What is leadership all about? At the end of your tenure, what will you say is your legacy?” Wike asked.
“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?”
He said successive leaders of the Body of Benchers had demonstrated exemplary leadership by consistently seeking government intervention to improve infrastructure and facilities 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.
Wike noted that, under the current administration, the annex building of the Body of Benchers is nearing completion and would be delivered by June, while the access road around the Nigerian Law School and EFCC Academy corridor is already 98 per cent completed.
He also approved a new request for an access road to the Body of Benchers annex building, directing relevant officials of the FCT Administration to immediately assess and incorporate the project into ongoing works.
Wike also criticised what he described as “destructive criticism” by some professional groups, insisting that constructive engagement with the government yields better results.
“Constructive criticism is good, but not the kind where nobody sees anything good in what government is doing,” he stated.
The FCT Minister particularly faulted criticisms surrounding government-built houses for judges, arguing that providing infrastructure and welfare support for judicial officers strengthens institutions rather than compromises them.
“If government provides accommodation for judges, people say they are compromised. But when the NBA goes about seeking support from government, nobody talks about compromise,” Wike said.
According to him, professional associations should devote more energy to identifying gaps in their sectors and partnering with the government to address them.
“If you are president of an association and all you do is attend television programmes to criticise government, that is not enough. What did you attract for your members? What did you improve?” he queried.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers applauded the FCT Administration for infrastructural transformation, especially projects benefiting the legal profession.
He said the body was grateful for the completion of its annex building, the ongoing fire service station project, and the construction of access roads within the 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 stressed the need for collaboration among the three arms of government to strengthen democratic institutions.
