By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated Nigerian-born Professor Dapo Akande on his election as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing the development as a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa.
Kalu said Akande’s emergence at the world’s highest judicial institution was a testament to Nigeria’s intellectual excellence and would further strengthen Africa’s representation and voice in international jurisprudence.
The Deputy Speaker conveyed his congratulations in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, following Akande’s election on November 3, 2026, by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
He described the Oxford University professor as a distinguished legal scholar whose achievement had brought pride to Nigeria and the African continent.
Kalu recalled receiving Akande, who was the United Kingdom’s candidate for the ICJ position, at the National Assembly on June 3, 2026, alongside officials of the British High Commission.
According to him, he had expressed strong support for Akande’s candidacy during the engagement, emphasising the importance of having a Nigerian-born scholar on the international judicial platform.
Speaking during the visit, Kalu had described Akande’s nomination as more than a symbolic recognition of Nigeria’s legal expertise.
“The nomination of a Nigerian-born scholar to the world’s highest judicial bench is not symbolic. It is structural 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,” he had said.
The Deputy Speaker maintained that Akande’s successful election reflected the quality of human capital Nigeria continues to contribute to global institutions, while reinforcing the continent’s place in international legal decision-making.
He expressed confidence that the newly elected ICJ judge would bring his wealth of experience, extensive knowledge of international law and commitment to justice to bear on the responsibilities of the court.
Akande, a Nigerian-trained lawyer and Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, was elected to serve a nine-year term on the 15-member ICJ, which adjudicates legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on international legal questions.
Reiterating his felicitations, Kalu said Akande’s election represented a moment of collective pride for Nigerians and Africans, expressing optimism that his tenure would contribute significantly to the advancement of international justice and the rule of law.
“Professor Akande’s victory is a testament to the excellence that Nigeria continues to offer the world. It also strengthens Africa’s presence and voice at the world’s highest judicial bench.
“I have no doubt that his vast experience, deep knowledge of international law and commitment to justice will make a significant contribution to the work of the Court and the advancement of the rule of law globally.
“Congratulations once again, Professor Dapo Akande. Nigeria is proud of you, and Africa celebrates this remarkable achievement with you,” Kalu said.
