ABUJA – The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen has enjoined Nigerians to allow President Muhammadu Buhari to exercise his constitutional powers on the appointment of substantive CJN.
Justice Onnoghen was appointed by the President in acting capacity in November 2016, but he is yet to forward his name to the Senate for confirmation as required by the constitution.
Prominent Nigerians especially from the Southern part of the country have been criticizing the President for refusing to kick-start the process of Onnoghen’s confirmation which is sending his name to the Senate.
In line with the provision of the constitution, Justice Onnoghen can only serve as CJN in acting capacity for three months after which another Justice could be appointed by the President to act as CJN.
On Thursday, former Military Governor of Kaduna state, Col. Abubakar Umar, called on the National Judicial Council, NJC, not to recommend another person to the President and Senate not to confirm any other nominee except Justice Onnoghen.
But, Justice Onnoghen while reacting to the mounting pressure on President Buhari, said he should be allowed to perform his constitutional duties without ultimatum or threat from any quarter.
“Honourable Justice Onnoghen believes the president does not need any threat or ultimatum to perform his constitutional duties and therefore dissociates himself from those individuals and groups making such demands on the president.
“However, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Nigerian Judiciary sincerely appreciate the interest of Nigerians towards the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria to oversee the affairs of the Judiciary as the third arm of government, but believes that issuing an ultimatum to Mr. President appears to be going too far and smacks of disrespect for the exalted office of the president.
“The Acting Chief Justice therefore appeals for caution on the issue of the appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria as Mr. President goes about his constitutional duties, especially considering the fact that the given time for him to act as Chief Justice of Nigeria has not expired.
“In conclusion, the Acting Chief Justice wishes to thank all Nigerians for their support and continued prayers while calling on them to back the Federal Government in the fight to make the country a better place for all,” a statement by his Media Aide, Awassam Bassey reads.
