The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has expressed support for the candidacy of Professor Dapo Akande for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), emphasising the importance of a strong international legal system in promoting global stability and justice.
Kalu spoke Wednesday in Abuja while receiving Akande, a renowned international law scholar and candidate for the ICJ, who is seeking Nigeria’s support ahead of the election scheduled for later this year.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the international community depends on a rules-based system to ensure peace, stability and justice among nations.
According to him, “Nigeria and every other country actually need an international system where we can have stability and justice. “It is when we have the rule of law internationally that we can be in those tables.”
He commended Akande for his contributions to the development of international law and thanked him for engaging Nigerian authorities on his candidacy.
“I thank you hugely for the work that you have done and for meeting with us,” Kalu said.
Akande described himself as both a British candidate and a Nigerian national, noting that his candidacy reflects his strong ties to both countries.
“I am very proud to be both a British candidate and also a Nigerian national seeking the support of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Akande explained that he is a professor of public international law at the University of Oxford, a practising international lawyer, and a member of the United Nations International Law Commission.
He disclosed that his election to the International Law Commission was based on a joint nomination by the United Kingdom and Nigeria, underscoring the confidence both countries have in his expertise.
The legal scholar said he was accompanied by officials of the British High Commission to discuss his ICJ candidacy with the Federal Government and other key stakeholders.
“We are here specifically seeking the support of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for this election to take place later this year,” Akande stated.
He expressed appreciation to the Deputy Speaker and members of the House leadership for granting him the audience and considering his request for support.
“I’m very grateful and honoured to be able to meet with all of you, and particularly grateful to the Deputy Speaker for making this possible,” he added.
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