Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has threatened to take the Federal Government to court over the allocation of newly built luxury houses to judges in Abuja.
Falana described the housing scheme as discriminatory and illegal. He argued that the government should not extend exclusive benefits to one category of public officers while neglecting others.
Falana questions legal basis
Falana spoke in a video shared by NewsCentral on Thursday after watching the official handover of the houses in Katampe, Abuja.
According to him, he could not identify any law that authorises the government to provide exclusive housing benefits to judges.
“We have got to a stage in the country where we need to challenge the special privileges given to the rich and top public officers in the country.”
He clarified that he was not opposed to judges receiving decent accommodation.
However, he maintained that other public servants also deserve fair treatment and similar consideration.
“Judges are entitled to accommodation. They must live comfortably and work securely, but other citizens must be equally provided for.”
Lawyer threatens legal action
Furthermore, Falana warned that he would soon challenge the housing arrangement in court.
He insisted that the government cannot lawfully provide such privileges to one group of public officers while excluding others.
“If you don’t do it, you can be challenged, and that is going to happen very soon, because what is good for the goose is good for the gander.”
Cites lecturers, retired workers
Falana cited university lecturers as an example of professionals who continue to face poor welfare despite their contributions to national development.
He noted that many professors no longer have access to official staff quarters and often receive inadequate remuneration.
The senior lawyer also criticised the benefits enjoyed by some former governors who now serve in the National Assembly.
According to him, many continue to receive legislative salaries and allowances while retaining official housing benefits, unlike career civil servants who retire without similar support.
Falana argued that government policies should reflect the constitutional principle of equality. He added that public welfare should extend beyond a select group of senior officials.
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