The British high commission says
the removal of Walter Onnoghen as chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) gives cause
for concern.
President Muhammadu Buhari
replaced Onnoghen with Ibrahim Muhammad on Friday, citing an order of the Code
of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
The action has sparked outrage
within and outside the country.
In a statement on Saturday, the
commission acknowledged the sovereignty of Nigeria but said the action could
affect perceptions about the elections.
It said the international
community is monitoring developments in the country closely, urging stakeholders
to work towards achieving free and fair elections.
“The British High Commission
expresses serious concern over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
We have heard a wide range of credible and independent voices, including in the
Nigerian legal profession and civil society, who have expressed concern over
the constitutionality of the executive branch’s suspension of the chief officer
of the judiciary,” the statement read.
“We respect Nigeria’s sovereign
authority and its right to adjudicate on constitutional provisions but as
friends of the Nigerian people, we are compelled to observe that the timing of
this action, so close to national elections, gives cause for concern. It risks
affecting both domestic and international perceptions on the credibility of the
forthcoming elections. We, along with other members of the international
community, are following developments closely.
“We encourage all actors to
maintain calm and address the concerns raised by this development through due
process, demonstrating their commitment to respecting the constitution and the
impartial administration of the rule of law. We further urge them to take steps
to ensure that elections take place in an environment conducive to a free, fair
and peaceful process.”
Meanwhile, the European Union has
also reacted to the suspension of the nation’s number five citizen.
In a statement, EU said it spoke
out based on invitation to cover the election extended to it by the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The EU Election Observation
Mission (EU EOM) is very concerned about the process and timing of the
suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Honourable lustice Walter Onnoghen,
on 25 January,” the statement read.
“With 20 days until the
presidential and National Assembly elections, political parties, candidates and
voters must be able to have confidence in the impartiality and independence of
the judicial system.
“The EU EOM calls on all parties
to follow the legal processes provided for in the Constitution and to respond
calmly to any concerns they may have.”
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