JUST IN: EU Expresses Concern Over Suspension Of Onnoghen, Worried About Process, Timing

The European Union has expressed deep concerns over the process
and timing of the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief
Justice of Nigeria.

The European Union Election Observation Mission on the Nigeria
2019 General Elections in a statement on Saturday by Press and
Public Outreach Officer, Sarah Fradgley said the suspension raises
the question of ‘whether due process was
followed’.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Onnoghen on
Friday and appointed Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed as CJN in
Onnoghen’s stead.

The EU calls on all parties to follow all legal processes in
line with the constitution of the country.

The statement read: “The European Union was
invited by the Independent National Electoral Commission to observe
the 2019 general elections.

“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 Justice Walter Onnoghen, on 25
January.

“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 decision to suspend the Chief Justice has led to many
Nigerians, including lawyers and civil society observer groups, to
question whether due process was followed. The timing, just before
the swearing in of justices for Electoral Tribunals and the hearing
of election-related cases, has also raised concerns about the
opportunity for electoral justice.

“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.

“The EU EOM will continue observing all aspects of the
election, including the independence of the election
administration, the neutrality of security agencies, and the extent
to which the judiciary can and does fulfill its election-related
responsibilities.”