Supreme Court Justice Agim Denies Accompanying FCT Minister To UNICAL Convocation
Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court, who recently delivered the judgment that restored the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers to the Rivers State House of Assembly, has denied reports suggesting that he accompanied the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to the recent convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Press for the Supreme Court, Dr. Akande Festus, Justice Agim clarified that his attendance at the convocation was not related to the FCT Minister’s presence at the event. He explained that he was there as a honouree and an alumnus of the institution, where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa) by the University’s Governing Council.
The statement read: “In light of the reports circulating on social media and other news platforms, we wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attendance of Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar on Saturday, 22nd March, 2025. It has come to our attention that misleading information has emerged, suggesting that Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to the ceremony.”
The Supreme Court press release further emphasized that Justice Agim attended the event solely as an esteemed honouree and not as a representative of any government official or department. His recognition was a reflection of his significant contributions to the legal profession, where he was honored for his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law.
“Hon. Justice Agim was scheduled to attend the burial ceremony of Hon. Justice Stanley Alagoa alongside other Hon. Justices of the Supreme Court in Bayelsa State but sought permission to go for the convocation ceremony,” the statement added.
The clarification stressed that Justice Agim’s participation was entirely independent of any government-related agenda, and any insinuation to the contrary was false. The release also called on the public and the media to ensure they verify information with credible sources before sharing or publishing it to avoid the spread of misinformation.
The statement concluded by reiterating the importance of upholding judicial independence as crucial to Nigeria’s democracy.
