It has been a torrent of outrage as the suspension of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari was made known to the public this afternoon. In replacement of Onnoghen, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed from Bauchi State has subsequently sworn in as acting CJN.
Buhari said he removed Justice Onnoghen based on an order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal dated January 23, 2019.
Tanko Mohammed was sworn in by Buhari inside the council chamber of the State House, Abuja.
The swearing was done after the president signed the new Executive Order 007.
A source revealed that 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 number plate GWA:900FA.
The constitutionality or otherwise of the president’s action has sparked intense discussions among Nigerians with some commentators saying the country may have a constitutional crisis on its hands.
The action of the president has been described as dictatorial, unconstitutional and in bad taste of the constitution which must be vehemently and legally resisted by all lovers of democracy.
Mr Onnoghen had earlier today announced a plan to swear in members of the various 2019 election petition tribunals on Saturday, January 26.
“This president’s action has confirmed the public speculation that the allegation against Onnoghen was politically motivated.”
Details later
