‎Falana Threatens Lawsuit Against FG Over Luxury Homes for Judges, Alleges Discrimination

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has threatened to institute legal action against the Federal Government over the allocation of newly built luxury houses to judges in Abuja’s Katampe District, describing the policy as discriminatory and inconsistent with the constitutional principle of equality.

‎Falana made his position known in a video shared by NewsCentral on Thursday, where he questioned the legal basis for granting exclusive housing benefits to judicial officers while many other categories of public servants continue to grapple with inadequate welfare and poor housing conditions.

‎Expressing concern over the government’s handover of the housing units, the senior lawyer said he could not identify any law that authorises such preferential treatment.

‎”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,” Falana said.

‎He maintained that while judges deserve decent, secure accommodation to enable them discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively, similar welfare considerations should be extended to other public servants.

‎According to him, government policies must conform to the constitutional principle of equality before the law, warning that any policy perceived as discriminatory could be challenged in court.

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‎”What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he said, adding that legal proceedings on the matter would commence soon if the policy is not reviewed.

‎Falana also highlighted the plight of university lecturers, noting that many professors lack official accommodation despite their contributions to national development. He argued that career civil servants and other public sector workers should enjoy equitable welfare benefits.

Vangard report that the senior advocate further criticised the extensive housing and welfare privileges reportedly enjoyed by former governors who are now serving as lawmakers, saying many continue to receive multiple official benefits while retired civil servants are left without adequate support.

‎He urged the Federal Government to adopt a more inclusive welfare policy that guarantees fairness and equal treatment for all categories of public servants in line with constitutional provisions.