BUHARI SUSPENDS CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA, SWEARS IN TANKO MOHAMMED AS REPLACEMENT
The new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mohammed was driven into the forecourt of the President’s office at about 4:30 p.m. in a black Mercedes Benz C240 with registration number GWA: 900FA.
Penpushing further reports that the constitutionality or otherwise of Buhari’s action has sparked profuse discussions among Nigerians with reactions of some commentators arguing that the country may have a constitutional crisis on its hands.
It is recalled that before his suspension Onnoghen through his Media Assistant, Awassam Bassey had earlier announced a plan to swear in members of the various 2019 election petition tribunals on Saturday, January 26.
Penpushing also recalled that, a media reports in some quarters had it that Onnoghen had resigned following current allegations against him, but he came out to deny such, which he described as absolute falsehood.
In a statement, he urged Nigerians to disregard the rumour and added that he was still performing his role as Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN),stressing, “there’s absolutely no truth in the rumours making the round that the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Lordship Hon. Mr Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, has resigned his office. It is fake news!
“The Hon CJN was in the office all through yesterday (Thursday) and sat in court. As part of his duties, the Hon CJN will be swearing in members of the 2019 National Assembly, Governorship & State Assembly Election Petition Tribunals tomorrow (Saturday 26th January 2019),” the statement said.
Penpushing further reports that, the embattled Onnoghen is facing trial over alleged false asset declaration brought against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, while the Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, has also requested him to resign from office, following the various allegations.
The case, currently ongoing at the CCT was adjourned till January 28, but the Court of Appeal on Thursday ordered the tribunal to suspend sitting, pending the discharge of current applications before it, brought by Onnoghen who wants his trial halted, citing lack of merit. The Court of Appeal is expected to give its verdict on the matter on January 30.
