The House of Representatives has endorsed Professor Dapo Akande, a Nigerian-born legal scholar nominated by the United Kingdom, for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term. The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by Akande and officials from the British High Commission to the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu conveyed the House's support, stating it was given both as a Nigerian and as a parliamentarian. "As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is my honour to receive Professor Akande and to say clearly… that his candidacy for the International Court of Justice… is one that commands the admiration and personal support of this House," Kalu said. He described the nomination as "structural recognition of a shared legal destiny" between Nigeria and the UK. Kalu stressed that Africa's presence at the ICJ is a matter of justice, not sentiment. He cited the UK's bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, including financial and strategic partnerships, as part of the broader diplomatic context. Akande's academic record, including his work across global legal institutions, was highlighted as reflective of Nigeria's strong legal education system. Kalu noted that the 2021 Census for England and Wales recorded over 270,000 Nigerian-born residents in the UK, saying Akande's candidacy speaks to them directly. He credited President Bola Tinubu's administration with advancing Nigeria's diplomatic engagement and representation in international bodies. Kalu urged Nigeria's foreign policy institutions to use multilateral platforms like the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and bilateral ties to back Akande's bid. Akande said his visit aimed to secure Nigeria's support and reaffirmed his commitment to global rule of law if elected. He praised Nigeria's legal and democratic institutions and acknowledged parliamentary efforts to strengthen constitutional governance. He pledged to promote international justice and the role of law in resolving global disputes should he win the seat.
Benjamin Kalu praised a British-nominated jurist of Nigerian origin as a symbol of shared legal destiny while the nominee holds citizenship in a foreign state. Nigeria's legal professionals trained at home are celebrated, yet the country is being asked to back a candidate representing another nation at the ICJ. Akande's candidacy reflects individual achievement, not Nigerian institutional representation. This support does not expand Nigeria's footprint at the world court—it highlights its reliance on diaspora figures to claim global influence.
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