Bode George Accuses Judiciary Of Corruption Only When Judgments Go Against Him — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, of attacking the judiciary whenever court judgments do not favour him.

Wike made the allegation during a media chat on Tuesday, August 4, while reacting to criticisms of recent judicial decisions and claims that some judgments were influenced by corruption.

The FCT minister said it had become a pattern for some individuals to describe the judiciary as corrupt whenever they lose legal battles, but accept the same institution when judgments go their way.

“Each time you lose a case, you call the judiciary corrupt,” Wike said.

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He argued that disagreement with court decisions does not automatically suggest wrongdoing by judges, stressing that conflicting judgments are part of the judicial process.

“The fact that there are conflicting judgments does not mean they collected money,” he stated.

Wike said critics often rely on headlines without properly studying the details of court rulings, urging Nigerians to seek proper legal interpretations before concluding.

“Sometimes we don’t even read all we have seen on the headline, and then we don’t go back to sit down, read this judgment or give it to our lawyers, analyse it and come back,” he said.

Speaking on the role of the judiciary in political disputes, the minister noted that while courts generally avoid interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, they have a responsibility to act when laws are breached.

“If you violate your constitution, if you’re in violation of the Electoral Act, if you’re in violation of the laws of the country, we cannot shut our eyes and say it is the hand of the party,” Wike said.

Wike further stressed that political disputes should not be mistaken for military interventions, describing such matters as part of democratic processes.

“This is not military. This is politics,” he said.

The minister also challenged those making allegations against him or others to provide evidence, insisting that accusations should be supported with facts.

“Let him come out to say, let him come and prove it,” Wike added.