Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has threatened legal action against the Federal Government over the allocation of newly built luxury homes to judges in Abuja’s Katampe district, describing the move as unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Speaking in a video shared by NewsCentral on Thursday, Falana argued that the government should not provide special housing benefits to judges while neglecting other public servants.
He said he was shocked after watching the handover ceremony on television, questioning the legal basis for the exercise.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Falana stressed that he was not opposed to judges living in decent accommodation but insisted that similar consideration should be extended to other workers.
“You can’t take out judges. Judges are entitled to accommodation, by the way. They must live comfortably; they must work securely, but other citizens must be equally provided for,” he said.
He disclosed that the policy would soon be challenged in court, maintaining that the government cannot lawfully favour one category of public officials over 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,” he stated.
The senior lawyer also highlighted the plight of university lecturers, noting that many professors are underpaid and no longer enjoy access to staff quarters despite their contributions to national development.
He further criticised the benefits enjoyed by former governors now serving in the National Assembly, saying many continue to receive legislative salaries and allowances while retaining housing entitlements in both their states and Abuja, unlike civil servants who retire after decades of service with little support.
According to Falana, the government must ensure fairness and uphold the principle of equality before the law for every Nigerian.
“So, we must insist that equality before the law in our country is respected,” he said.
