The Supreme Court of Nigeria has denied reports that Justice Emmanuel Agim attended the University of Calabar’s convocation ceremony as part of the entourage of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Akande Festus, clarified that Justice Agim was at the event solely as an honouree and alumnus of the institution.
He was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law by the university’s Governing Council in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession.
“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,” Festus stated.
The Supreme Court explained that Justice Agim had originally been scheduled to travel to Bayelsa State for the burial of Justice Stanley Alagoa alongside other Justices of the court.
However, he sought and received permission to attend the University of Calabar’s convocation instead.
The court further emphasized that his presence at the event was personal and had no official connection to any government ministry or agency.
“Any insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy,” the statement added.
The Supreme Court also called on the public and media organizations to ensure proper verification of information before dissemination to avoid spreading misinformation.
