Nigeria’s Supreme Court has dismissed claims that Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to a University of Calabar (UNICAL) convocation.
Court spokesperson Akande Festus clarified Monday that Agim attended independently as an honoree.
On March 22, 2025, Justice Agim received an honorary Doctorate in Law from the university, recognizing his legal contributions.
Festus emphasized the honor stemmed solely from Agim’s professional achievements, not political affiliations.
“Misleading narratives falsely linking Justice Agim to Minister Wike undermine judicial integrity,” Festus stated. He confirmed Agim’s attendance was personal, unrelated to government duties, and preapproved by the court.
Initially, Agim planned to join colleagues at a fellow justice’s burial in Bayelsa State. However, he prioritized the convocation after securing permission, reflecting his alumni ties to the institution.
The court condemned speculative reports as harmful to public trust. “Judicial independence remains vital to democracy,” Festus asserted, urging media outlets to verify facts before publishing.
Festus further highlighted Agim’s career as a model for legal professionals. The honorary degree celebrates his dedication to justice and ethical governance, reinforcing his stature in Nigeria’s legal community.
Social media claims alleging collaboration between Agim and Wike were deemed baseless. The court stressed such misinformation risks eroding confidence in judicial neutrality.
Meanwhile, the University of Calabar defended its selection process, noting Agim’s award followed strict merit-based criteria. University officials praised his rulings as advancing legal scholarship and national development.
Public reactions remain mixed, with some commentators urging stricter accountability for unverified news. Legal analysts echoed the court’s concerns, warning against politicizing judicial figures.
Justice Agim has yet to comment personally but remains focused on his duties. Colleagues describe him as a principled jurist committed to transparency.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges in balancing public scrutiny with judicial privacy. Festus reiterated that justices’ non-official engagements deserve respect without unfounded speculation.
The Supreme Court’s swift response aims to preserve its reputation amid Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. Agim’s recognition, meanwhile, highlights academia’s role in celebrating legal excellence.
Moving forward, the court pledges closer collaboration with media to curb misinformation. Festus concluded, “Accuracy sustains democracy; haste breeds distrust.”
