The recent sighting of Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Agim at the same function as Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has sparked concerns and negative curiosity among Nigerians. Typically, there would be nothing unusual about a Supreme Court judge attending the same event as a government minister. However, Justice Agim was the judge who delivered the recent Supreme Court judgment that handed Wike the most significant political victory of his career.
This Supreme Court judgment had a profound impact, settling a long-standing political dispute in Rivers State in a controversial manner. It also served as the basis for President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and is centrally connected to the ongoing constitutional crisis in Nigeria. The judgment is poised to shape the 2027 elections and could ultimately determine President Tinubu’s reelection ambitions. Apart from President Tinubu, the judgment’s greatest beneficiary is arguably the political godfather of Rivers State, Mr. Wike.
Given these factors, it is understandable that Nigerians would be curious to see Justice Agim and Wike together at a public function. The event in question was the convocation ceremony at the University of Calabar, where both Agim and Wike were invited guests. Justice Agim’s presence at the function can be easily explained: he is an alumnus of the university and has risen to become a Supreme Court judge. The University of Calabar had every reason to celebrate him as an honoree during the convocation, and the decision to honor him likely preceded the Supreme Court judgment.
However, Wike’s presence at the function raises questions. When was he invited? What was the reason for his invitation? What role did he play at the event? These questions remain unclear, and accurate answers would help determine whether the two men’s attendance was a coincidence or a pretext for a meeting.
Eculaw Media believes there was nothing ulterior about their presence at the event. Both are dignitaries, and it is natural that they would be seated at the same table reserved for such guests.
Nevertheless, the public’s reaction to seeing the two men together can be understood in a different light. Nigerians have valid reasons to distrust judges, particularly those of the Supreme Court, who are often perceived as highly corrupt and compromised. This lack of trust in the judiciary leads to negative interpretations of any event involving judges. The current reactions to seeing Justice Agim and Wike together are not solely due to any recent corruption or wrongdoing but stem from a broader distrust of the judiciary. Judges like Agim have done little to change this negative perception, and thus, the public’s response is understandable.
