Saraki, Ekweremadu Hail Eboe-Osuji’s Emergence as ICC’s President

The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and his deputy Senator Ike Ekweremadu, have hailed the election of Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji as the President of the International Criminal Court, ICC, as an honour for Nigeria and the entire Africa.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the development as positive for Nigeria coming a few days after his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was appointed a Professor by the Southern University, United States of America, USA.

He noted that the emergence of Eboe-Osuji during the 10th session of the Assembly of State Parties of the ICC, at the UN Headquarters in New York, was a testimony that Nigeria and Nigerians have what it takes to continue to provide leadership at both the local and global arena.

While wishing the eminent jurist a successful tenure, the Senate President said he was sure that the Judge would work to justify the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues who voted to elevate him to the position.

“No doubt, the Presidency of the ICC represents a huge responsibility. It is my hope that Eboe-Osuji will help lead the Court to new levels of successes in the next three years,” Saraki stated.

Ekweremadu stated in a congratulatory message to the jurist on Monday that Eboe-Osuji’s emergence as President of the Court did not come as a surprise, given the jurist’s pedigree and wealth of experience.

Ekweremadu said: “I congratulate you most warmly on this well deserved honour done to you and indeed Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“Your emergence is indeed a boost to the determination of the ICC and the global community to end genocides, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression as well as help the victims to find justice.

“You were well prepared for the elevation and onerous task by your sound education and experience as you distinguished yourself both as a prosecution counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and also as a senior legal officer to the Tribunal’s judges.

“You also excelled in your service at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Legal Advisor to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in addition to the high profile cases you sat over since assuming office as a judge of the Court in 2012”.

The Senator described the Imo State-born jurist, the first Nigerian to be elected as an ICC judge, as a worthy ambassador of the Nigerian legal and judicial system, urging him to remain on the path of excellence and justice.