U.S Rejects CJN Onnoghen’s Suspension, Warns Buhari Ahead Of Election

The United States Government has rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s suspension of Chief Justice Walter Onnghen without recourse to the Judicial and Legislative arms of the Nigerian Government.

The reaction of the U.S came less than 24 hours after President Buhari suspended Onnoghen and immediately installed Justice Tanko Mohammed from Bauchi state as the country’s new acting Chief Justice.

The President had based his action on a directive he received from the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), requesting him to suspend of the substantive Chief Justice.

But reacting in a statement on Saturday, the US embassy in Nigeria said it was aware of the widespread condemnations of President Buhari’s action, warning that the move may affect the credibility of the February 16 presidential election in Nigeria.

The statement reads, “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,” the statement read.

“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.”