Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian judiciary is facing a fresh storm as reports emerge that Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, wife of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, allegedly holds American citizenship, in violation of constitutional provisions.
According to insider sources within the National Judicial Council (NJC), the revelation has sparked internal tension and calls for disciplinary action. Section 28 of Nigeria’s Constitution explicitly forbids judges from holding allegiance to any foreign nation — a clause meant to preserve judicial integrity and national loyalty.
“A judge’s primary duty is to the Nigerian state. Dual nationality undermines this duty and presents an irreconcilable conflict of interest,” a legal expert told reporters.
Analysts say Justice Wike’s alleged failure to declare her foreign citizenship constitutes a serious breach of public trust and could undermine the credibility of the entire judiciary if ignored.
Critics warn that if this matter is dismissed or quietly swept under the carpet, it would reinforce the notion that Nigeria has become a land where laws are applied selectively — a “banana republic” in the making.
For now, all eyes are on the NJC, as Nigerians await a decisive response that could either restore or further erode faith in the nation’s justice system.
