Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has threatened to take the Federal Government to court over the allocation of newly built luxury houses to judges in Abuja's Katampe district, describing the move as discriminatory and illegal.
"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."
The senior lawyer said he was disturbed after watching the handover ceremony on television and argued that the government must treat all citizens equally.
"Yesterday, I was watching the telly. I was very sad when I saw that the federal government was handing over the keys of houses to judges, and I asked myself under what law we are operating from, because it's discriminatory and illegal. You must treat us equally in our country."
Falana clarified that he was not against judges being provided with accommodation but insisted that other public servants who contribute to national development should enjoy similar benefits.
"Judges are entitled to accommodation. They must live comfortably and work securely, but other citizens must be equally provided for."
He warned that the policy would soon be challenged in court, stressing that the government cannot lawfully extend such privileges to one class of public officials while neglecting others.
Falana also cited university lecturers as an example of professionals who deserve better welfare, noting that many professors no longer have access to staff housing despite their contributions to society.
He further criticised the housing and financial benefits enjoyed by former governors now serving as senators, arguing that many continue to receive generous allowances and housing entitlements while career civil servants retire without similar support.
According to him, the principle of equality before the law must apply to every Nigerian, regardless of status or office.
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