We ‘Ll Not Be Surprised If CCT Finds Justice Onnoghen Guilty – Coalition

A coalition of civil society group has said that it would not be
surprised if the Code of Conduct Tribunal ( CCT ) finds the
suspended former Chief Justice of Nigeria , Walter Onnoghen guilty
of allegations of false declaration of assets tomorrow.

The group revealed this at a press conference to condemn the
executive assault on judges on Wednesday in Abuja.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the group a Public Affairs
Analyst, Fredrick Nwabufo said that Nigerians will not be surprised
if Onnoghen is find guilty by the tribunal despite the fact that
the court did not have power to try judicial officers without first
fulfilling the condition precedence of obtaining a recommendation
to that effect from National Judicial Council ( NJC ).

“We consider it very urgent to call on Nigerians to rise up and
resist the deliberate attempt by the Muhammdu Buhari led executive
arm of government in Nigeria to cow judges, destroy the institution
of the judiciary and push us into a fascist state.

“We want Nigerians to know that once the judiciary is
overwhelmed, suppressed and judges condemned to living in fear of
the executive; democracy has become tasteless, sour and
inconsequential.

” Unfortunately, the judges cannot defend themselves
sufficiently like the members of the public in the face of the
rising intimidation and oppression because of their sacred oath of
silence, We thereby call on Nigerians to come to the aid of our
judges ; prevent the storm of tyranny from sweeping away the last
hope of the common man “
The group noted that in the last three years, the executive arm has
brazenly deployed several government agencies to diminish the
integrity of the judiciary and render its as malleable as possible
to do its bidding.

Nwabufor added that over the year the judiciary had stood as the
Cornerstone of democracy and even during military administrations.
He noted that its independence was never subjected to the kind of
abuse being witnessing under the Buhari regime.

According to him “We condemn in totality, the latest assault on
Justice Rita Ofllli-Ajumogobia by the EFCC. The commission has no
such powers that it can rely upon to arraign judges before the NJC.
This is Wicked and evil.

“We make bold to say that the legitimacy of the EFCC has been
eroded and it has become a mercenary arm of the Buhari-led
administration deployed regularly to malign and harass ‘ perceived
enemies of the executive ” Nwabufo added.

The group includes; Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy
and Constitution , Concerned Nigerians , FreeNigeria Movement and
MadConnect.

AGF Revives Treasury Journal

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris has
called on the members of the Treasury Journal Finance Committee to
work assiduously to bring innovative ways that will ensure that
funds are available for the production and publication of the 5th
Edition of the Treasury Journal.

Mr. Idris made this call recently in Abuja, while inaugurating a
13-member committee put together by the Accountant-General of the
Federation to secure the sustenance of the publication of the
Treasury Journal.

According to the AGF, “the Treasury Journal is a source of pride
to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and
represents our determination at showcasing the role of the OAGF in
Government programmes and activities”.

However, he regretted that its funding has not been as expected
as it has largely been through advertisements and other supports
from MDAs which usually affects the production of the Journal as at
when due.

The AGF also charged the Editorial Board of the Journal to
ensure highest standards and quality of inputs and publication of
Treasury Journal.
He therefore expressed his confidence on the committee to deliver
on the task assigned to them by assisting the Editorial Board to
achieve its mandate.

Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim
Tumsah, thanked the Accountant –General for the confidence reposed
on them and assured that they will work hard to ensure that
adequate funds are raised to ensure timely realization of the
production of the 5th Edition of the Treasury Journal.

Mr. Henshaw Ogubike
Deputy Director/Head of Press and Public relations (OAGF)