March 12, 2018

Senate President Bukola Saraki on Monday congratulated Mr Chile Eboe-Osuji, a Nigerian Judge, on his election as the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

NAN reports that this is the first time a Nigerian would be elected president of ICC.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja on Monday described the appointment of Eboe-Osuji as a development positive for Nigeria.

He noted that the emergence of Eboe-Osuji during the 10th session of the Assembly of State Parties of the ICC, at the UN Headquarters in New York, was a testimony that Nigeria and Nigerians had what it took to continue to provide leadership at both local and global arena.

While wishing the eminent jurist a successful tenure, Saraki said he was sure that the Judge would work to justify the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues who voted to elevate him to the position.

“No doubt, the Presidency of the ICC represents a huge responsibility. It is my hope that Eboe-Osuji will help lead the Court to new levels of successes in the next three years,” Saraki said.

Similarly, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said the election of Eboe-Osuji as the President of the ICC was an honour for Nigeria and the entire Africa.

Ekweremadu, in a Statement by his Special Adviser (Media) Mr Uche Anichukwu said Eboe-Osuji’s emergence as President of the Court did not come as a surprise, given the jurist’s pedigree and wealth of experience.

I congratulate you most warmly on this well deserved honour done to you and indeed Nigeria and Africa as a “whole.

“Your emergence is indeed a boost to the determination of the ICC and the global community to end genocides, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression as well as help the victims to find justice.

“You were well prepared for the elevation and onerous task by your sound education and experience.

“You distinguished yourself both as a prosecution counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and also as a senior legal officer to the Tribunal’s judges.

“You also excelled in your service at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Legal Advisor to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in addition to the high profile cases you have been involved with since assuming office as a judge of the Court in 2012,” Ekweremadu added.

Ekweremadu described the Imo State-born jurist, the first Nigerian to be elected as an ICC judge, as a worthy ambassador of the Nigerian legal and judicial system.

The deputy senate president urged the ICC President to remain on the path of excellence and justice.

NAN reports that Eboe-Osuji graduated with a Law Degree (LL.B) from the University of Calabar in 1985, before studying for a master of laws (LL.M) at the McGill University in Canada.