Following a rash of reports and insinuations that Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to the University of Calabar in Cross River State, the apex court has come out with a rebuttal.
A statement issued by the apex court on Monday explained that Justice Agim attended the event as an honouree and alumnus, having been recognised by the University’s Governing Council with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law.
Dr. Festus Akande, the court’s spokesperson said:“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. We hereby dispel this false narrative.
“He was recognised for his significant contributions to the legal profession, which reflect his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, serving as a model for aspiring legal professionals and students alike.”
According to the statement, Justice Agim had originally planned to attend the burial ceremony of Justice Stanley Alagoa in Bayelsa State with other Supreme Court Justices but later obtained permission to be at the University of Calabar convocation instead.
It said that Justice Agim’s participation in the ceremony had no connection to any government Ministry or department.
The statement said it was an entirely independent appearance, adding; “Any insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy.
“We encourage the public and media to verify information through credible sources before sharing or publishing, to prevent the spread of misinformation.”
Recall that Agim was the Justice who read the judgment of the court which President Bola Tinubu, a known Wike ally, relied on to declare a contoversial state of emergency on Rivers State. Wike has been at daggers-drawn with Governor Siminalayi Fubara for over a year.
