Onnoghen’s Suspension, So Close To Elections, Is Suspicious – UK Govt

The British Government has weighed in on the outrage currently trailing the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The UK government’s reaction comes few moments after the United States government kicked against the removal of Onnoghen and the consequent installation of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The British Government noted specifically that the timing of Onnoghen’s suspension “so close to national elections,” raises eyebrows.

The statement read, “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.”

Meanwhile, President Buhari had suspended the substantive CJN over charges of false assets and non-assets declaration filed against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) before of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

The President had based his suspension of Onnoghen on the recommendation he received from the CCT to suspend the embattled CJN.