Most colleagues of Ibrahim
Muhammad, acting chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), were absent when he
inaugurated members of the election tribunal in Abuja on Saturday.
Of the 15 supreme court judges,
only Sidi Bage and Muhammad were at the swearing-in ceremony.
That was the first official
assignment of Muhammad who was sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday
following the suspension of Walter Onnoghen.
Buhari had suspended Onnoghen
over allegations of false assets declaration.
The president cited an order of
the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), where a six-count charge was filed against
Onnoghen.
The suspension of the former CJN
has sparked outrage, with critics of the Buhari administration describing it as
anti-democratic.
In separate statements, the US,
UK and EU said the action could have effect on the general election.
The criticisms were still pouring
in as of the time this report was filed.
At the occasion, Muhammad said
the judiciary “is in trying times”, asking members of the bar and bench to
stand, protect and “uphold the integrity of this arm of government”.
“I encourage you to uphold and
enhance the honour and standing of the judiciary and I pray that the Almighty
God will bestow upon you strength, good health and wisdom in the performance of
your duties,” he said.
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