Onnoghen’s Suspension : Supreme Court justices shun inauguration of elections tribunals

Justices of the Supreme Court on Saturday shunned the
inauguration of members of the election petitions tribunal by the
Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Mohammed.

The event was held at the Supreme Court Complex, Abuja on
Saturday.

It was observed that unlike the custom where justices of the
Supreme Court attend such functions with the CJN, only one of the
Supreme Court justices, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, joined the Acting
CJN, Justice Mohammed on the court podium.

The absence of the justices may not be unconnected with the
crisis at the highest echelon of the nation’s judiciary following
the corruption charges against the embattled CJN Walter Onnoghen
over his alleged non-declaration of assets and his subsequent
suspension by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.

The Acting CJN Mohammed swore-in 250 members of the election
petitions tribunal panels for the 2019 general elections in the
country.

Speaking during the inauguration, Justice Mohammed charged the
tribunal members to know that they are accountable to God under the
oath they have just sworn.

“This is an ethical undertaking to justice as well as uphold the
Rule of Law in our courts. As such, I implore you to discharge your
onerous duty diligently and with the fear of God Almighty. The
judiciary is in trying times, and you must stand to protect and
uphold the integrity of this arm of government,” he said.

“I therefore congratulate you on this appointment and I urge you
to see this assignment as a call to greater service to your nation.
I encourage you to uphold and enhance the honour and standing of
the judiciary and I pray that the Almighty Allah will bestow upon
you strength, good health and wisdom in the performance of your
duties.”

The Acting CJN also apologised to the newly inaugurated election
tribunal members for his inability to personally shake hands with
each of them due to lack of time.

Onnoghen: US, UK Raise Alarm over Buhari’s Suspension of
CJN

Onnoghen: US Embassy Expresses Deep concern over suspension of
CJN

Statement on the Suspension and Replacement of the Chief
Justice

“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.”

US Embassy
………

The UK issued the following statement:

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.
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.

British High Commission