Former Gambian chief justice Akomaye Agim faces criticism about staying neutral as a Nigerian Supreme Court judge. He showed up at a university graduation in Calabar, which raised eyebrows. Critics pointed to whom he hung around with at the event.
Agim stood beside Aminu Ado Bayero and Nyesom Wike during the ceremony. Bayero currently fights in court about becoming the Emir of Kano, while Wike is a cabinet minister in the Federal Capital Territory. When pictures hit social media, many people lashed out at Agim. The Supreme Court later claimed he just came to accept an honorary degree for his legal career.
Back in February, Agim made waves with a ruling about Rivers State. His decision focused on withheld money that needed budget approval from certain lawmakers. Legal experts scratched their heads about why he tackled issues beyond the case at hand. The Supreme Court rarely jumps into matters still sitting in lower courts. Attorneys for 27 politicians asked to dismiss everything since the Supreme Court had already spoken on it.
The mess grew bigger when another court blocked a January ruling in March. That panel included the Federal Capital Territory Minister's wife as a judge. Nigerian ethics rules demand judges keep a distance from frequent court users and political players. The situation raises red flags about whether Nigerian courts can stay fair and independent.
Agim stood beside Aminu Ado Bayero and Nyesom Wike during the ceremony. Bayero currently fights in court about becoming the Emir of Kano, while Wike is a cabinet minister in the Federal Capital Territory. When pictures hit social media, many people lashed out at Agim. The Supreme Court later claimed he just came to accept an honorary degree for his legal career.
Back in February, Agim made waves with a ruling about Rivers State. His decision focused on withheld money that needed budget approval from certain lawmakers. Legal experts scratched their heads about why he tackled issues beyond the case at hand. The Supreme Court rarely jumps into matters still sitting in lower courts. Attorneys for 27 politicians asked to dismiss everything since the Supreme Court had already spoken on it.
The mess grew bigger when another court blocked a January ruling in March. That panel included the Federal Capital Territory Minister's wife as a judge. Nigerian ethics rules demand judges keep a distance from frequent court users and political players. The situation raises red flags about whether Nigerian courts can stay fair and independent.
