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- US, UK, EU Condemn CJN’s Suspension
- Dogara: Buhari’s action unconstitutional
- Falana: Nigeria falling in hands of incipient fascism
- Malami, others placed on America’s watch list
- Presidency: This govt won’t accept foreign interference
Global outrage has continued to trail President Muhammadu Buhari’s unconstitutional removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, without recourse to due process and the provisions of the constitution, 20 days to the presidential and National Assembly elections billed to hold on February 16. Casting doubt on the credibility and fairness of the upcoming elections. From the United States, United Kingdom, The European Union, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, lawyers, civil society groups, came condemnation of the Buhari government for its unconstitutional suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Leading the charge against what is now termed reckless impunity of the Buhari administration, the governments of the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the European Union, in separate statements, condemned Buhari’s unilateral suspension of Onnoghen especially against a rather poor timing.
hese allies of Nigeria, expressed their concern on the development was further stoked by the growing criticisms the president’s action has continued to attract amongst prominent Nigerians, however, suggested a swift and peaceful resolution of the matter so it does not cast a pall over the February 16 elections.
International news outlets such as BBC, CNN and Associated Press, have devoted elaborate coverage to the dramatic suspension of Onnoghen by President Buhari on Friday, warning of looming chaos.
Reeling from the global outrage against it, the Presidency reacted with defiance warning that it will not accept foreign interference.
In a statement by the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the Presidency said the Buhari administration is against actions capable of creating apprehension, distrust among citizens or undermining the transparency and acceptability of outcomes of the nation’s electoral process.
However, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and a renowned constitutional lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana have also come out to condemn Buhari’s action, describing it too as unconstitutional and incipient fascism in the country
In similar breath, the United States may have placed certain individuals of interest under watch as persons likely to interfere with the process of the 2019 elections, amongst them is the current Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the federation, Abubakar Malami.
Highly placed sources in the US government told THISDAY that in furtherance of its interest in a credible poll, the government had placed a few individuals, who are believed to be operating behind the scenes and acting against the advancement of democracy in the country.
United States: Deeply Concerned by Decision to Suspend and Replace Onnoghen
However, in a three-paragraph statement yesterday afternoon, the US government through its embassy in Abuja, expressed deep concern with news of the suspension of the CJN. The statements 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.
“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.”
British High Commission: Risks Affecting Perceptions on the Credibility
The British High Commission, in its intervention said, “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.
“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.”
Full Story: ThisDay
