POLITICS
US reacts to suspension of the Chief Justice Of Nigeria
The US embassy has reacted to the suspension and replacement of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen by president Muhammadu Buhari.
The CJN was suspended on Friday 25th January 2019 by the president with an order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
There has been massive reactions from Nigerians and international bodies ever since as they find it unconstitutional and manipulative ahead of the 2019 elections.
The US embassy in a statement on their official website had this to say:
“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.”
Meanwhile, the president swore in Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria who has already carried out his first official assignment by swearing in members if the Election Petition Tribunal for the 2019 general elections.
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