Deputy Speaker backs Nigerian-born UK nominee
By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja
ABUJA — The House of Representatives has endorsed the candidacy of Nigerian-born international law scholar, Dapo Akande, for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday by Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, during a courtesy visit by Akande and officials of the British High Commission to the National Assembly in Abuja.
Kalu described Akande’s nomination by the United Kingdom as a recognition of his distinguished contributions to international law and a testament to Nigeria’s global impact.
“As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, it is my honour to receive Professor Akande and to state clearly, as a Nigerian and a parliamentarian, that his candidacy for the International Court of Justice commands the admiration and support of this House,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker said the nomination reflected the deepening relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and underscored the importance of African representation on the world’s highest judicial bench.
“The nomination of a Nigerian-born scholar to the world’s highest judicial bench is not symbolic; it is recognition of a shared legal destiny.
“Africa’s presence on the world’s highest bench is not a matter of sentiment. It is a matter of justice,” Kalu stated.
He noted that Akande’s academic and professional achievements had brought honour to Nigeria, recalling that the renowned scholar began his legal journey in the country before attaining global recognition.
“Everything you have become — from Chichele Professor of Public International Law at All Souls College, Oxford, to counsel before the ICJ and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, to a member of the UN International Law Commission — began in Nigeria.
“It began with an LLB from Obafemi Awolowo University and a call to the Nigerian Bar. This House receives you proudly as a son of the soil,” he said.
Kalu also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and expressed confidence in Akande’s chances of securing the position.
He urged the Federal Government to deploy its diplomatic influence through the African Union, ECOWAS and the United Nations General Assembly to support the candidacy.
According to him, Akande’s extensive experience representing countries and international organisations places him in a strong position to contribute meaningfully to the work of the court.
The Deputy Speaker further challenged Akande to uphold justice and fairness if elected, noting that the ICJ is handling an unprecedented number of cases involving genocide, armed conflicts and territorial disputes.
“Africa does not merely need judges. It needs judges who understand that law is not description; it is protection,” Kalu said.
Earlier, Akande said he was in Nigeria to seek the country’s support for his candidature.
He commended Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and praised the National Assembly’s efforts in strengthening constitutional democracy.
Akande assured that if elected to the ICJ, he would work to advance the rule of law and strengthen international justice globally.
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