Group Backs Agbese On Nigeria’s Exit From ICC

By Eneole Otorkpa, Abuja

A youth advocacy organisation, the Pan-African Youth Development Network (PAYDN), has supported the call by the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, that Nigeria should consider withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The group described the Labour Party lawmaker’s position, expressed last week during an interview on TVC as “timely, courageous and reflective of the growing frustrations of many African nations over the selective application of international justice.”

In a statement issued yesterday by its country director, Dr Charles Okolo, the organisation argued that ICC, rather than serving as a truly impartial institution, had increasingly been perceived as an instrument deployed against African countries while powerful nations accused of similar or worse violations remain beyond its reach.

According to the group, the pattern of prosecutions and investigations undertaken by The Hague-based court over the years had reinforced the widespread belief that Africa has become the institution’s primary target.

“The concerns raised by Hon. Philip Agbese resonate with millions of young Africans who have watched with dismay as the International Criminal Court appears to reserve its prosecutorial zeal almost exclusively for African leaders and conflicts, while allegations involving influential global powers receive little or no meaningful attention,” the statement read.

PAYDN noted that justice must be universal and impartial, insisting that no international judicial institution can command legitimacy if it is perceived to operate on the basis of political convenience rather than the principles of fairness and equality.

The organisation maintained that Africa possesses the intellectual capacity and institutional potential to strengthen regional mechanisms capable of addressing crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide without excessive dependence on external institutions that many perceive as politically influenced.

It added that the African Union should intensify efforts towards empowering continental judicial frameworks that reflect Africa’s realities while upholding international standards of justice and accountability.

The group stressed that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy and one of the continent’s leading voices in international diplomacy, has a responsibility to champion reforms that promote fairness within the global justice architecture.

“Hon. Agbese’s intervention should not be dismissed as a rejection of accountability. Rather, it is a call for a more balanced international legal order where justice is blind to geography, race and political influence,” Dr. Okolo stated.

PAYDN further urged African governments to collectively review their engagement with the ICC and demand comprehensive reforms that would restore confidence in the institution.

The organisation said any international court that genuinely seeks global legitimacy must demonstrate equal commitment to investigating and prosecuting alleged crimes regardless of the nationality or geopolitical influence of those involved.

While reaffirming its commitment to the fight against impunity, the group maintained that justice must never become an instrument of geopolitical domination.

It therefore called on Nigerian policymakers, civil society organisations and stakeholders across Africa to initiate constructive conversations on strengthening African judicial institutions while engaging the international community on the need for a more equitable global justice system.

“We call on our leaders, especially those in National Assembly to make this a national call. At the African level, our organization shall work closely with Nigeria’s delegation for the next extraordinary session, to cause a formal motion to be submitted and moved on this subject matter at the Pan African Parliament in South Africa”, the statement added.