The United States says it is “deeply concerned” by President Muhammadu Buhari‘s decision to suspend Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) without “support of the legislative branch on the eve of national and state elections”.
Buhari suspended Onnoghen on Friday and immediately appointed Tanko Mohammed as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Giving reasons for his decision in his speech, the President said there was an order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, asking him to wield the big stick.
President Buhari said the order demanded that the CJN be suspended depending on the determination of his ongoing trial at the tribunal.
Apparently displeased with the development, the US in a statement on Saturday by the US embassy in Nigeria, said it had taken note of widespread criticisms that the suspension is illegal.
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,” the statement added.
EU very concerned
The European Union says it is “very concerned” about the process and timing of the suspension Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Apparently displeased with the development, the EU in a statement, said it spoke out based on an invitation to cover the election extended to it by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“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,” the statement read.
“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 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,” it added.
UK reacts
The removal of Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) gives cause for concern, the British high commission has said.
Apparently displeased with the development, the commission in a statement on Saturday, acknowledged the sovereignty of Nigeria but said the action could affect perceptions about the elections.
The commission said the international community is monitoring developments in the country closely, urging stakeholders to work towards achieving free and fair elections.
“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,” the statement read.
“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,” it added.