Social media rumours that Justice Emmanuel Agim went with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to the University of
Calabar’s convocation event on Saturday, March 22, 2025, have been refuted by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
According to the Supreme Court, Justice Agim attended the convocation as a distinguished honouree and graduate
of the university, having been deemed deserving of an Honorary Doctorate in Law by the Governing Council.
The Supreme Court characterised the circulating claims as a false narrative in a statement signed by Akande Festus,
Director of Information & Public Relations.
The highest court stressed that Justice Emmanuel Agim did not attend the event as an official representative of any
government agency or ministry, much less as a companion to any active or retired public servant.
It further stated that any suggestion to the contrary is untrue and compromises the independence of the judiciary,
which is essential to our democracy.
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.
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“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 emphasise 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.”
