Reasons ICC Moves to Stop Tinubu’s Swearing-in and its Jurisdiction

The International Criminal Court (ICC or ICCt) is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal seated in The Hague, Netherlands. It is the first and only permanent international court with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. It is distinct from the International Court of Justice, an organ of the United Nations that hears disputes between states.

The ICC is considered by many to be a major step toward justice and innovation in international law and human rights. However, the ICC has faced a number of criticisms from governments and civil societies, including objections to its jurisdiction, accusations of bias, Eurocentrism, and racism, questioning of the fairness of its case selection and trial procedures, and doubts about its effectiveness.

As the 2023 general elections draw to a close in Nigeria, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has reportedly moved to stop the swearing-in of a prominent Nigerian politician, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the country’s next president. The move by the ICC comes after months of allegations of corruption and human rights abuses leveled against Tinubu and his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu, who is popularly known as “Jagaban,” is a former governor of Lagos State and a political heavyweight in Nigeria. He is widely seen as one of the top contenders for the presidency in 2023, with many political analysts predicting that he will win the APC nomination and go on to win the general election. However, his path to the presidency has been marred by allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.

The ICC’s move to stop Tinubu’s swearing-in is a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape, as it suggests that the international community is closely monitoring the country’s democratic process and is willing to intervene if necessary. It also highlights the growing concerns about the state of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The ICC is an international tribunal established to prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Nigeria is a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC and is therefore subject to its jurisdiction. This means that if the ICC finds evidence of serious crimes committed in Nigeria, it can investigate and prosecute those responsible, regardless of their official position or nationality.

The allegations against Tinubu and the APC include corruption, election rigging, and human rights abuses, among others. For instance, Tinubu has been accused of owning several properties in Dubai and London, which are believed to have been acquired through corrupt means. He has also been accused of using his political influence to rig elections in his favor and to intimidate political opponents and journalists who criticize him.

Furthermore, the APC has been accused of using state security forces to suppress opposition voices and to commit human rights abuses, such as extrajudicial killings and torture. The party has also been accused of orchestrating violence during elections, which has led to the deaths of many Nigerians.

The ICC’s move to stop Tinubu’s swearing-in is based on these allegations and the evidence gathered by its investigators. The ICC has reportedly gathered enough evidence to show that Tinubu and the APC have committed serious crimes that fall within its jurisdiction. The ICC has, therefore, written to the Nigerian government to express its concerns and to demand that Tinubu and other individuals responsible for the crimes be held accountable.

The move by the ICC has been welcomed by many Nigerians who are concerned about the state of democracy and human rights in the country. However, it has also been criticized by some who see it as interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. Some have argued that the ICC should allow Nigeria to handle its own affairs and hold its leaders accountable for any crimes it may have committed.

Nevertheless, the ICC’s move to stop Tinubu’s swearing-in is a timely reminder that no one is above the law and that those who commit serious crimes must be held accountable. It is also a reminder that the international community has a role to play in promoting and protecting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria and other countries around the world.

The ICC’s move also highlights the need for Nigeria to strengthen its institutions and promote good governance, transparency, and accountability. Nigeria has a long history of corruption, election rigging, and human rights abuses, which have undermined the country’s democracy and its ability to provide for the welfare of its citizens. The ICC’s move should, therefore,