Politics
Nigeria strongly behind Olufemi Elias for ICJ election – Bianca Ojukwu
Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu has declared Nigeria’s resolve to secure a seat in the 15-member International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, with Dr. Olufemi Elias as the country’s candidate for the November 2026 election.
The minister disclosed this when Elias paid her a courtesy visit at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja, to seek the ministry’s unalloyed support to actualise his ambition.
Elias, an erudite international jurist will bring deep legal expertise and experience to the ICJ. His late father, Taslim Olawale Elias was the first African to be appointed as President of the International Court of Justice (1982). Five years later, his father was also appointed to the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague as well.
Elias reflects Nigeria’s commitment to international justice, human rights and the international rule of law, Ojukwu said, noting that the candidate’s vast experience in the United Nations’ system and expertise, were enough to place him far ahead of other contestants.
The minister congratulated him for his achievements in the field of international law, pointing out that they were no mean feats even if he had worked in those places on ad hoc basis.
She highlighted that Africa is a very important constituency in the ICJ project, arguing that Nigeria’s significant role in the continent is such that it should be represented there.
“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,” Amb. Ojukwu said.
Earlier, Elias told the minister that he has devoted his entire professional life to public international law, with greater part of it as an international civil servant.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for endorsing him as Nigeria’s candidate promising to serve meritoriously if elected Judge of the ICJ.
Elias who noted that he has the requisite qualifications for the job also pledged to remain a good ambassador of Nigeria.
“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.
With over 25 years’ service in international organisations, among which were Judge and Vice-Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal, Elias also served as a Judge for Staff Appeals at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and as the Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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