Onnoghen’s Suspension: US Mission expresses Concern

The US Mission in Nigeria has expressed concern on the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Friday suspended Onnoghen on the orders of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and installed Ibrahim Tanko as the CJN, with people asking if he had the constitutional powers to do so.

The US mission, in a statement released on their website, said they were “deeply concerned” by the move, and urge that the issues raised by the decision be resolved swiftly and peacefully.

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.

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.