The Supreme Court has refuted claims that Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to the recent convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
In a statement issued on Monday, the Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Festus Akande, clarified that Justice Agim attended the event as an honoree, not as an escort of any government official.
The statement reads: “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.
“Hon. Justice Agim attended the convocation as an esteemed honouree and an alumnus of the institution, whom the Governing Council had found worthy to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa).
“He was recognised for his significant contributions to the legal profession, which is a reflection of his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, serving as a model for aspiring legal professionals and students alike.
“Hon. Justice Agim was scheduled to attend the burial ceremony of Hon. Justice Stanley Alagoa alongside other Hon. Justices of the Supreme Court in Bayelsa State but sought permission to go for the convocation ceremony.
“We wish to emphasize that Justice Emmanuel Agim’s participation at the ceremony was independent and not as an official representative of any government ministry or department, let alone accompanying any serving or retired government official. 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.”
The clarification came after mixed reactions trailed a photo where Justice Agim was seated beside Wike, who was also honoured at the event.
Justice Agim read the recent lead judgement of the Supreme Court on the political crisis in Rivers State.
The February 28 judgement informed the declaration of the state of emergency in the state by President Bola Tinubu.
The ceremony, held as part of UNICAL’s 50th anniversary and 37th convocation, was attended by several dignitaries, including the senate president, the deputy governor of Cross River State, lawmakers, including the 15th Emir of Kano, Emir Bayero, who is the university’s Chancellor.
