The United States has reacted to
the suspension of Walter Onnoghen as chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).
President Muhammadu Buhari
suspended Onnoghen on Friday, citing an order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal
(CCT).
In a statement on Saturday, the
US embassy in Nigeria said it had taken note of widespread criticisms that the
suspension is illegal.
“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,”
the statement read.
“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.”
Who is US to advise us? Bunch of untruthful neo-colonial masters.
ReplyDeletePut US aside. Does the timing not raise suspicion? Why do it so swiftly on the eve of the swearing-in of tribunal judges and without the Senate? Where is the autonomy of the judicial branch of government in this 3-tier government republic, if this is not a dictatorial move? Has room been given to diplomatic resolution if this sudden development? Has his asset declaration affected his ability to perform his function judiciouslysuch that we need to act now to "save" the nation? God is tired of Nigeria's problem. We can't even colonize ourselves (self discipline), we are calling people neo-colonialist.
DeleteThe timing of the removal of the Chief Justice and the replacement of him by a former Sharia Judge calls for a rethinking about the action and clear the fear of the foreign countries that Nigeria may be heading for dictatorship! What Nigeria needs mostly is progress in the areas of economic developments not dictatorship. Our youths are crying daily because of lack of employment. Let us shun politics and move the country forward. I maintain, no foreign government will support dictatorship and this is why Nigeria must not encourage dictatorship. The election must be fear and clear and must be free of any manipulation. Let Nigerians decide for themselves who the next President should be, not through bloodshed and acrimony.
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