The presence of Nyesom Wike and Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Agim at the UNICAL convocation has sparked controversy due to Agim’s role in the Rivers crisis ruling. While UNICAL honored both men separately, critics question the optics of their appearance together, despite Supreme Court clarifications on Agim’s independence.
The recent convocation ceremony at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has sparked debate after Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Agim were seen attending the event together. Their presence, captured in widely circulated images, has raised questions due to Agim’s role in delivering the Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers political crisis—a judgment that significantly impacted the state’s governance.
Social media users and political analysts have weighed in, with some questioning the optics of a Supreme Court judge appearing alongside a key political figure who seemingly benefited from his verdict.
UNICAL, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary and 37th convocation, conferred an honorary doctorate in law on Wike, while Agim was also honored as an esteemed alumnus. However, a statement from the Supreme Court clarified that Agim’s participation was independent of Wike and should not be misinterpreted as political affiliation.
The court emphasized that he attended solely as an award recipient and dismissed insinuations suggesting otherwise. Despite this clarification, the event continues to generate debate about judicial neutrality and the perception of political influence in Nigeria’s legal system.
