Senate President, Nigerians excited

Following the Election of Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji as President of the International Criminal court, ICC, the Nigerian Senate president, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has congratulated Mr. Chile Eboe-Osuji  on his election as the President of the ICC.

Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji, President, ICC

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the development as positive for Nigeria coming a few days after his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was appointed a Professor by the Southern University, United States of America, USA.

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 have what it takes to continue to provide leadership at both the local and global arena.

While wishing the eminent jurist a successful tenure, the Senate President 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 stated.

The ICC is an international tribunal that sits in the Hague, Netherlands. It has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The ICC is intended to complement existing national judicial systems and it may therefore only exercise its jurisdiction when certain conditions are met, such as when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute criminals or when the United Nations Security Council or individual states refer situations to the Court.