The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for disciplinary action against Professor Chidi Odinkalu, accusing him of tarnishing the integrity of Nigeria’s legal profession through public criticism of the judiciary.
Speaking during a meeting with the Body of Benchers, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Wike urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take a firm stand against what he described as reckless attacks on the judiciary.
“We have instilled so much fear in our judges that they can’t even associate freely,” Wike lamented. “If a judge greets someone at a mosque or church, people immediately assume bribery is involved. The moment they shake hands, a petition is filed against them. This cannot continue.”
Referencing recent reports, Wike recounted how his visit to the University of Calabar was misrepresented. “I saw a headline claiming a justice escorted me. Someone writes such baseless claims, and we do nothing?” he questioned, calling for Odinkalu to be summoned for questioning.
“We must instill discipline in our legal profession. If we don’t take action, no one will take the judiciary seriously. Enough is enough,” he asserted.
Reacting to Wike’s remarks, Professor Odinkalu took to social media, dismissing the call for sanctions. He hinted that Wike’s own record would be scrutinized in due time.
The exchange has reignited debates on judicial independence, legal ethics, and the limits of public criticism in Nigeria’s legal system.
