Tinubu Administration Proposes Olufemi Elias for International Court of Justice Position
Nigeria Nominates Dr. Olufemi Elias for International Court of Justice
Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias, a respected legal scholar and international law expert, has been nominated by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government of Nigeria to fill a vacant seat at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The forthcoming election is set to fill the seat vacated by Abdulqawi Ahmed, a Somali judge, effective September 30 [1].
Dr. Elias's nomination reflects Nigeria's commitment to a rules-based international order, where justice is impartial, peace is safeguarded, and all nations have an equal voice in shaping a fairer future. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has formally presented Dr. Elias for the role [2].
Dr. Elias is no stranger to the ICJ, as he currently serves as an ad hoc judge for the court. His nomination is seen as an opportunity to advance the peaceful settlement of disputes among nations, and to strengthen the cause of global justice [2].
Throughout his career, Dr. Elias has demonstrated a dedication to the principles of justice, equity, and the rule of law. He has decades of service to the global community, and a distinguished record of legal scholarship. His unique combination of judicial appointments, educational qualifications, and international civil service experience sets him apart [1][2].
Taslim, Elias's father, served as an ICJ judge, vice-president, and president of the court from 1976 to 1991. Yusuf Tuggar expressed confidence that Elias's election to the ICJ will follow in the footsteps of his father's legacy and further strengthen the court's role in promoting global justice [1].
If elected, Dr. Elias would become the fourth Nigerian to serve on the ICJ. His nomination has been met with widespread support from the international community, including calls from Yusuf Tuggar for the global community to support Dr. Elias's candidacy [2].
The ICJ is composed of 15 judges elected for nine-year terms, with one-third of the judges elected every three years. A special election is held in the event of a vacancy [1]. If successful in his bid, Dr. Elias is poised to make significant contributions to the ICJ and the global community in the years to come.
[1] "Nigeria Nominates Dr. Olufemi Elias for International Court of Justice." The Guardian. 10 October 2023. [2] "Nigeria's Bola Tinubu Government Nominates Dr. Olufemi Elias for ICJ." BBC News. 10 October 2023.
- The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government of Nigeria has nominated Dr. Olufemi Elias for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), marking a significant step in Nigerian politics and policy-and-legislation.
- Dr. Elias's nomination for the ICJ is a testament to the General News that Nigeria remains committed to maintaining a rules-based international order and advancing global justice.
- If elected to the ICJ, Dr. Elias would join a list of three other Nigerians who have previously served on the court, further strengthening the APC's (All Progressives Congress) vision of a strong and prominent Nigeria on the world stage.
- The elections for the ICJ will be a crucial point of focus in the coming months, with the eyes of the nation and the international community on Dr. Elias and his ability to lead in the realm of peaceful dispute resolution and shaping future policy.
