Suspension Of Onnoghen ‘Bizarre, Unconstitutional’ – Clement Nwankwo.

Lawyer and rights activist, Clement Nwankwo, has described the
suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen as
bizarre, frightening and unconstitutional.

He said the removal of the CJN or other judges of superior
courts in the country could only be possible when two/thirds of the
Senate had voted in favour of such motion.

Nwankwo made this known when he made an appearance on Channels
Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

He said, “The law is very clear, Section 292 of the Constitution
is very clear as to the removal of certain categories of judicial
officers including the Chief justice of Nigeria, the President of
the court of appeal and indeed judges of superior courts in this
country.

“For the Chief Justice of Nigeria, you will require the Senate
asking and voting on a two/thirds majority for removal of the Chief
Justice of Nigeria under certain conditions and this would include
misconduct or infirmity of mind.

“So, in that circumstance, we have no indication. It is only
upon the Senate making this decision that the President may remove
the Chief Justice of Nigeria or a justice of the supreme court.

“We have no indication that the President has received a motion
from the Senate to remove the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“What is happening is bizarre, frightening, unconstitutional and
reminds one that, not even in the dark days of military rule have
we seen this sort of action”.

Onnoghen who is being tried over allegations of failing to
declare his assets, was on Friday suspended as the CJN by President
Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the president, the development was based on the
request of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, pending the completion of
the trial.

Following the suspension, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed was
appointed as the acting CJN.

Justice Tanko Mohammed who hails from Bauchi State is the most
senior justice of the Supreme Court.