Stella Anukam re-elected as judge of African court on human rights

Stella Anukam, former director of special programmes at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, has been re-elected as judge of the African court on human and peoples’ rights.

The court is a continental tribunal established by African states to ensure protection of human and peoples’ rights.

The African court is composed of 11 judges nominated by member states of the AU and elected by the AU assembly of heads of state and government. 

Anukam was re-elected at the African Union (AU) mid-year coordination meeting executive council in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Friday, for another term of six years. 

In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, his spokesperson, Tinubu commended Anukam for her contributions to the development of the laws behind human rights on the continent.

“President Tinubu commends Justice Anukam for her contributions to the development of human rights jurisprudence on the continent and enjoins her to continue to bring her invaluable knowledge and insights to the African Court,” the statement reads.

“The President states that his administration will continue to support the candidature of competent and qualified Nigerians for international positions, noting the country’s strategic importance in the global community.”

Anukam, who was first elected judge in 2018, obtained her law degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in 1984.

She was called to the Nigerian bar in August 1985. 

The African court judge is also a chartered secretary, chartered arbitrator, and seasoned administrator.