Unic Press UK: The United States have reacted to the intense political tension generated by yesterday’s suspension/replacement of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (“CJN”), Walter Onnoghen. The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari in a statement yesterday said that the suspension of and replacement of Judge Walter Onnoghen was based on an Order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Wednesday, the 23rd January 2019.
Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria has already been sworn in as acting CJN.
By his action, President Buhari seems to have grossly violated an Order of the Appeal Court this week that the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) should maintain a stay of proceedings with regard to the six-count charge against the CJN, Walter Onnoghen.
In a statement today, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria said it noted the “widespread Nigerian criticism that this decision is unconstitutional and that it undermines the independence of the judicial branch”, and called on the Nigerian government to resolve the issues swiftly and peacefully in accordance with due process, full respect for the rule of law, and the spirit of the Constitution of Nigeria.
“The Embassy of the United States is deeply concerned by the impact of the executive branch’s decision to suspend and replace the Chief Justice and head of the judicial branch without the support of the legislative branch on the eve of national and state elections.
We note widespread Nigerian criticism that this decision is unconstitutional and that it undermines the independence of the judicial branch. That undercuts the stated determination of government, candidates, and political party leaders to ensure that the elections proceed in a way that is free, fair, transparent, and peaceful – leading to a credible result.
We urge that the issues raised by this decision be resolved swiftly and peacefully in accordance with due process, full respect for the rule of law, and the spirit of the Constitution of Nigeria. Such action is needed urgently now to ensure that this decision does not cast a pall over the electoral process.” ( U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria)
