Cletus Felix
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has clarified the circumstances surrounding Justice Emmanuel Agim’s attendance at the just concluded University of Calabar (UNICAL) 37th convocation ceremony.
Reports emanating from social media had insinuated that Agim had accompanied the Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike to the event.
According to the statement issued on Monday by the Apex Court Public Relations Officer Akande Festus, Justice Agim was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in law.
The apex court emphasize that Justice Emmanuel Agimโs participation at the ceremony was independent and not as an official representative of any government ministry or department, let alone accompanying any serving or retired government official.
It reads:The statement reads, โIn 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.
โIt 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.
โWe hereby dispel this false narrative.
โHon. Justice Agim attended the convocation as an esteemed honouree and an alumnus of the institution, whom the Governing Council had found worthy to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa).
โHe was recognized for his significant contributions to the legal profession; which is a reflection of his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, serving as a model for aspiring legal professionals and students alike.
โHon. 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.
โWe wish to emphasize that Justice Emmanuel Agimโs participation at the ceremony was independent and not as an official representative of any government ministry or department, let alone accompanying any serving or retired government official.
โAny insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy.
โWe encourage the public and media to verify information through credible sources before sharing or publishing to prevent the spread of misinformation.โ
