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Nigeria Backs Olufemi Elias for ICJ Seat – Ambassador Ojukwu

Published

3 months ago

February 7, 2025

By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria is fully committed to securing a position on the 15-member International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, with Dr. Olufemi Elias as the country’s candidate for the upcoming election in November 2026.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, reaffirmed this commitment during a courtesy visit by Elias to the ministry’s headquarters at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja. During the visit, he formally sought the government’s support for his candidacy.

Dr. Elias, a distinguished legal scholar, brings extensive experience in international law. His late father, Taslim Olawale Elias, made history as the first African to serve as President of the ICJ in 1982 and later as a judge at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

Ambassador Ojukwu emphasized that Elias’ expertise in the United Nations system and international legal affairs makes him a strong contender for the role. She noted that his candidacy aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to global justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

Congratulating him on his achievements, Ojukwu acknowledged the significance of Nigeria’s representation at the ICJ, stressing that Africa remains a key constituency in international legal affairs. Given Nigeria’s prominent role on the continent, she affirmed that the country must have a voice in the ICJ.

She said: “With your background, your history within the institution and the UN system, your years of experience, even though it will be keenly contested, I don’t see the feasibility of you not emerging.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whose officers have been your major campaigners, I congratulate you. Be rest assured that we will keep pushing until you get there and we have absolute confidence that not only will you make Nigeria proud but Africa. And you will leave your footprint on the global map. Be assured that between now and the election, we will keep pushing. The ICJ must be made fit-for-purpose. Seeing what is happening now with DRC and Rwanda, it means you have something already on your plate”.

Dr. Olufemi Elias expressed to the minister that his career has been dedicated entirely to public international law, with most of his experience gained as an international civil servant.

He extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing his candidacy, assuring that if elected as a judge of the ICJ, he would serve with dedication and integrity.

Elias further emphasized that he possesses the necessary qualifications for the position and pledged to uphold Nigeria’s reputation with honor and distinction.

“I can do the work because I am there. That’s a big boost for me. So, I have received Nigerian President’s endorsement. I have come to see you to please have my matter on your card whenever you meet.

“The election is November 2026- that’s almost two years away. What this means is that we are starting on time,” Elias said.

Dr. Olufemi Elias has built a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in international organizations, holding key judicial and administrative positions. He has served as a Judge and Vice-Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal, a Judge for Staff Appeals at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and the Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal.

His expertise includes developing and implementing policies for resolving employment disputes, and he recently contributed as a member of the Independent Panel of Experts reviewing the Dispute Resolution System at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr. Elias has also held significant leadership roles within the United Nations, including serving as the Registrar of the UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, with the rank of Assistant Secretary-General. Additionally, he was the Legal Adviser (Director) at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and worked with the UN Compensation Commission as both a legal adviser in its Governing Council Secretariat and as Special Assistant to the Executive Secretary.

Beyond his international service, he has an extensive academic background. Earlier in his career, he lectured in law at the University of Buckingham and King’s College, University of London. Since 2006, he has been a visiting Professor of International Law at Queen Mary, University of London, and has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the University of Amsterdam, and Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

A respected legal scholar, Dr. Elias is a member of the Institut de Droit International and was honored with the American Society of International Law’s Honorary Member Award in 2018 for his outstanding contributions to international law. He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar.

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Your Best Days in Politics Are Still Ahead – Speaker Abbas Tells Kalu

Published

3 hours ago

May 7, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has hailed his Deputy, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as a rising force in Nigeria’s political landscape, describing him as a man whose journey is only just beginning.

Abbas gave the remarks on Tuesday inside the chamber, shortly after plenary, as members of the House gathered to celebrate Kalu’s 54th birthday with a brief ceremony and a cake-cutting session.

Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, turned 54 on Monday.

A lawyer by training and former spokesperson for the House, he has grown into a familiar face not just within Nigeria’s legislature but also across international parliamentary networks.

In recent times, Kalu has taken on significant continental and global responsibilities. He chairs the Finance and Administrative Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament and leads the African Union Parliament’s Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs. He is also an active member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and sits on the steering committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization.

His colleagues describe him as strategic, forward-looking, and quietly ambitious, a lawmaker whose blend of eloquence and diplomacy has made him a respected voice both at home and abroad.

Speaking to journalists after the brief celebration, Abbas said, “Benjamin Kalu is not just a Deputy Speaker. He is a man with vision, poise, and the kind of political maturity that Nigeria will need even more in the years to come. His future is very bright.

“We congratulate our brother, partner, mutual ally and friend. For almost 2 years, we have been working seamlessly. I am a very lucky man, working with somebody who appreciates, understands me and is always ready to support me. I couldn’t have asked for anybody better. He’s such a sound, knowledgeable and technical person.

“So, today, on behalf of the 360 members of the House of Representatives, I say a big happy birthday to you. Congratulations on your attainment of the age of wisdom. You are now an elder statesman. You are now in the comity of Elders. So, please, accept our congratulations.

“Our prayer for you is that God should continue to be your shepherd and pillar of strength, continue to give you the wisdom and the altitude to give a good representation not just to the people of your only but to the people or the South East and Nigeria in general. Your Excellency, I believe with the way you are going, the sky will be your limit. I see you in places we don’t imagine. I know, people like you, with the kind of commitment and patriotism you have for Nigeria, we pray that your future will be brighter than your past anf present. Congratulations.”

In response, the Deputy Speaker expressed profound gratitude to Speaker Abbas for his kind wishes and prayers, pledging his continued support and loyalty.

“Thank you, Your Excellency for being who you have always been. Once in while, I will go to him and say, sir, let’s do an appraisal. Is there anything that I am not doing well so that we can put it in order because I am here to support? My job is nothing but to support and assist and make him succeed. If the Speaker is successful, I am successful. If you are a Deputy, you are a Deputy. You are not the principal.

“Sparingly do you find a principal who wants his Deputy to go high. I wish him well because the leadership circle still needs him around. He has treated me well and I enjoy working under him. We will keep following and the remaining 2 years, we will make sure that we give you all the support. And to the members, thank you for supporting Mr. Speaker. Thank you for being there for us. God bless you”, Kalu said.

Similarly, the House of Representatives Press Corps led by its chairman, Gboyega Onadiran also presented birthday card to the Deputy Speaker, describing him as an outstanding lawmaker.

The card read thus “We, the entire members of the House of Representatives Press Corps, heartily congratulate you on the occasion of your birthday.

“Your are indeed, very outstanding. Your commitment to legislative excellence has made a significant impact. You have stamped your feet on the sands of history.

“Ndi Igbo and Indeed, Nigeria at large must be proud of you, particularly in sponsoring the bill that birthed the establishment of South East Development Commission (SEDC).

“We pray that the Almighty God continues to be with you, grant you good health, and preserve your life so that future generations may benefit from your wealth of experience and the important national assignments entrusted to you. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.”

On their part, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also extended warm felicitations to the Deputy Speaker on the occasion of his birthday.

In a message jointly signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osuigwe (SAN) and the General Secretary, Dr. Mobalaji Ojibara, the NBA described Kalu as “a remarkable leader whose dedication to legislative excellence and commitment to democratic ideals continue to inspire hope and confidence in the governance of our nation.”

The Association commended the Deputy Speaker’s purposeful strides in the National Assembly, especially in promoting inclusive lawmaking, national unity, and constitutional reforms.

It further noted that his leadership journey from representing Bende Federal Constituency to serving as Deputy Speaker is a testament to his resilience and the high regard in which he is held by colleagues and constituents.

“As you mark this special day, we join your family, friends, and well-wishers in praying for continued wisdom, sound health, and renewed strength to sustain your impactful service to our beloved country,” the message read.

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Council poll: APC working on consensus candidates ahead of primaries

Published

5 hours ago

May 7, 2025

Admin

Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is working towards consensus candidates for the upcoming primary election scheduled for Saturday.

The move is part of the party’s efforts to maintain unity and reduce internal frictions.

Five aspirants emerged unopposed following the screening organised by the party.

The incumbent Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Sulaimon Yusuf; his counterpart in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jubril Yisa; Motunrayo Alogba of Ijede LCDA and Kasali Bamidele in Lekki LCDA emerged unopposed. A new aspirant, Azeez Kareem, was the only person cleared to contest in Oto-Awori LCDA.

Chairman of the APC Lagos State Electoral Committee, Babatunde Ogala, SAN, in an interview with The Nation, disclosed that more aspirants had emerged unopposed following interventions from the party leaders.

He expressed optimism that many more aspirants would step down before the Saturday primary election.

“We are hoping to have at least 70 per cent consensus candidates going into the primary election. If we can achieve that, it will leave us with only 30 per cent to conduct primaries for,” he said.

According to him, the appeal committee, headed by Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, has been sitting for the past two days and has received over 100 petitions.

Ogala said the committee had treated over 70 of the petitions and would conclude their assignment today (Wednesday).

He explained that while the party had prepared for indirect primaries, involving delegates drawn from local government executives, efforts were ongoing at various levels to arrive at consensus candidacies in many wards.

He said electoral materials were being finalised for distribution by Saturday, with electoral officers already appointed to oversee the process in all 57 local councils.

Ogala said security had been fully arranged in collaboration with the police, DSS, civil defence and Lagos traffic officials to ensure order and smooth movement at the secretariats where the primaries were expected to take place.

According to him, the party is also scheduled to hold a key stakeholders’ meeting today with senior officials and aspirants to finalise agreements and chart the way forward.

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$400m steel factory set to begin operations in Ogun

Published

5 hours ago

May 7, 2025

Admin

President of Inner Galaxy Group, Mr. Li Shuang, yesterday, disclosed that his company was ready to set up a $400 million hot rolled coiled steel factory with the capacity to employ about 6,500 direct and indirect workers in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

He made this known while leading a delegation of principal officials of the organization at the Governor’s Office located at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He added that the company is expected to commence operations in April 2026, saying the organization, a multinational company with vast investments in Asia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and some African countries like Ghana and Angola, entered the Nigerian market in 2005, producing iron rods for the building industry.

Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed delight in the huge investment, as he ascribed the success to his administration’s deliberate and intentional move to make the state the leading industrial hub in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.

“This is a $400 million investment; this aligns with the President’s vision to ensure that we grow this economy to a trillion dollars, and I think that you will be contributing your quota in achieving that. We are excited that you will also be employing people.

“I will be commissioning a multimillion-dollar diagnostic equipment facility during the week. This administration has managed to attract quite a lot of industries in the last six years,”

Abiodun noted that the state is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, adding that alluvial gold had been discovered in large quantities, just as the state has the highest quality of lithium.