The Hood – Hearing from your neighborhood

The Centre for International and Strategy Studies, has finally broken its silence on the controversy trailing the suspension of Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

CISS said the suspension of Onnoghen was a right step in the right direction, adding that the decision was to safeguard the integrity of the judiciary sector.

There have been mixed reactions following the suspension of Onnoghen as the CJN over issue bodering on corruption.

While some believe the suspension might have political undertones, others are of the opinion that the suspension was in order as no one is above the law.

 David Bamidele, President, CISS, while addressing a press conference on Sunday, said the suspension of the CJN, Justice Onnoghen by President Buhari in compliance with the order of the CCT was not only reasonable and timely, but necessary to salvage the partly battered image of the Nigerian judiciary.

He also said the decision was to protect democracy from the class of the few bad characters in the judicial cum political system.

“In a nation-wide address, the President explained that the decision to suspend Justice Onnoghen was spurred by the wisdom of the CCT,  the only  court which has the lawful mandate to pry into matters of alleged breach of Code of Conduct  prescribed for public officers, pending final determination of the charges  against him at the CCT.

“About fortnight ago, Nigerians were assailed with the alleged breach of the Code of Conduct laws by the CJN through a petition signed by the Executive Director, Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative, Mr. Dennis Aghanya. According the petitioner, the NGO painstakingly investigated the CJN, which commenced about a year ago. The details of the alleged offences against the CJN are in public domain.

“But suffice it to say, specifically, the suspended CJN allegedly operated and failed to declare or improperly declared three domiciliary accounts in Standard Chartered Bank with about $3million stashed in them among other charges.

“The CCT chaired by Justice Danladi Umar began inquest into the allegations by dragging Justice Onnoghen before it for trial in consonance with the stipulations of the law. However, it elicited unnecessary disquiet and judicial ambush of the case, designed to frustrate the trial.

“There have been frenzied unwarranted or cynical attacks or accusations of President Buhari by ethnic champions and political shenanigans’ and accomplices in the judiciary, who have conveniently ignored the provisions of the law.

“The critics have found it more convenient to repress the fact of the suspended CJN’s own admission of committing a breach of the Code of Conduct law, which he casually explained it as “mistake or forgetfulness.”

“Anywhere, the judiciary operates on the basis of law and all operators in the temple of justice ought to thrive on an unquestionable morality and integrity.

“Where this is lacking as revealed by the preliminary findings of the Code of Conduct on the breaches by the CJN, democracy itself is threatened and it is a path to an inglorious abuse of the rule of law.

“The few antagonistic to the suspension and trial of Justice Onnoghen are directly seeking a return to the rules of the jungle, where might and position of influence was a guaranteed license to indulge in all manner of unlawful acts unchallengeable.

“But just last year, the CJN had the moral strength or authority   to preside over the alleged false assets declaration by the President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki when the Senator appealed several aspects of  his trial at the CCT.  Yet, the CJN had skeletons in his cupboard. This is an act that cannot be tolerated in any country.

“The administration of President Buhari has made it clear from the outset that under his watch, such acts will not be condoned. And therefore, that the Head of the Nigerian judiciary is involved does not insulate him from the proper legal actions by virtue of his position as chorused by others.

“The efforts of the present government to sanitize and rid the judiciary of corrupt officers shadowed since 2016 when the DSS arrested seven judges, including two Supreme Court judges for alleged corruption during a sting operation. The case of the suspended CJN, Justice Onnoghen is therefore not exceptional.

‘The ordinary Nigerian has always craved to have a dependable judiciary; a true temple of justice, where all who approach it shall be entitled to equity and fair hearing; a where judgments’ would truly reflect the merits of the dispute before the court for resolution.

“But sadly, much of  the uprightness  expected from the Nigerian  judiciary is a mirage, as attested in the quantum of petitions against  some judges to the National Judicial Commission (NJC).  In 2016, in the heat of the arrest and trial of some judges, the NJC disclosed that  808  Justices in Nigeria have been  petitioned by Nigerians over allegations of  corrupt practices and professional misconducts.

” It exposes the level of discontent in Nigerians over the operations of the judiciary and conduct of judicial officers. And it is unfortunate to understand the Number One Judicial officer in Nigeria is also embroiled in these sordid allegations.

” Nigeria is heading to its worse moments in drifting negatively. It is surprising that some accused persons who are arraigned in court approach other courts of even concurrent jurisdiction to obtain injunctions to halt such trials. And some presiding Judges go ahead in their wisdom to grant such frivolous injunctions.”

Some youths in Benye State, under the umbrella of  Citizens Watch Initiative (CIWI) staged a rally in Makurdi, the state capital over the controversy trailing the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.

The youth group described the criticisms greeting the ouster of Onnoghen as the CJN as needless and unfortunate.

Solomon Samenka, leader of the group while addressing the protesters, who were seen carrying placards while chanting solidarity songs in support of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, frowned at the mission to destroy the country by a ‘monster political organization the PDP and the some extremely corrupt judges in the judiciary.”

According to Samenka, “Since the emergence of our Messiah President Muhammad Buhari,  We have been held at ransom by this monster organization in connivance with their notorious partners in the judiciary as led and recently revealed by the Justice Walter Onoghen act, which is not only evil but sacrilegious to say the least.

“In the recent months that preceded the former CJN appointment, Judges have taken a lead in corrupt practices and yet , despite the policy direction of Mr president on corruption, the judiciary under Walter Onoghen has so proved to be uncooperative, unreliable and the most untrustworthy partner in the fight against corruption. Never in the nations history has things been this bad in the nations judiciary.

“The collective blackmail of the president and Nigerians is not only political, but it is intended to derail Nigeria on the path of prosperity  and ensure that the gains of a transparent government such as provided by the Buhari leadership does not yield.

“My dear comrades and friends, the challenges stare us in the face, as the PDP wishes to privatize our common wealth and in turn demonize our President. It is incumbent on us to find a common ground to reject and disgrace this monster political organization to safeguard the future of our nation.

“You will agree with me how judges and  lawyers have soiled the  their hands in the deep recesses of corruption everywhere they find themselves. They have found amongst themselves thieving allies, with special courts scattered around the cities of our country, dishing out black market judgments in favor of corrupt clients against our Federation.

“We have in this country, lawyers who have billions in cash and assets that their seven lives can not account for. They are used to mobilize  bribes  for themselves and to the Judges ,all these are prizes taken to desecrate the temple of justice, were justice is no longer sought but sold to the highest corrupt bidder.

“It is therefore  time to arise and poke their eyes , their nose and pinch their conscience using whatever extreme means possible and practicable.

 “Henceforth, We will begin to mobilize for legislation that will legalize that their illegal assets be set ablaze like its done in South Africa , we are mindful of a Saraki and Dogara led National assembly and our warning goes to them too.

“We are not sworn enemies to prosperity on account of a thieving judiciary and a bankrupt bar supported by a monster political organization with a history of corruption. 

“Of what connection is the suspension of PDP presidential campaign and the legitimate suspension of a thieving CJN? 

Of what connection is the threat by lawyers  to boycott court sessions and the suspension of a thieving CJN? Is a particular CJN indispensable? Even in the face of glaring infractions?

“Why are politicians of a particular party,_the PDP so jittery, peeved and and angry about an otherwise normal presidential decision?

“What else could be a better indictment than the CJN acceptance of guilt and now the personal expression of PDP dissatisfaction over his suspension?

“If he was arraigned, as he ought to, but deliberately refused to, and he took the plea of guilt, as he did in his press statement, feigning mistake and ignorance,  would  he not have been convicted almost immediately? If the answer is in the affirmative;

Would he have been mobilizing people from the prison walls to stage kangaroo protests in ABUJA to disrupt the normal way of living for Nigerians?

“I urge you all  to continue to keep your eyes peeled for the antics of this monster political and thieving elements at the bar and bench.”

Protesters on Monday paralyzed commercial activities in Lagos State in support of President Muhammdu Buhari’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The protesters, who carried placards with various inscriptions, declared that Onnoghen lacks moral standing to remain in office as CJN.

Comrade Festus Akintola, Convener of the protest, said Justice  must take its full course to serve as a deterrent to others that it is no longer business as usual.

 

He said, “We have all gathered here to express our disgust with the actions of some segment of the country that have viewed the action of the president in placing the Chief Justice of Nigeria on suspension for false declaration of assets in contravention of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act for public office holders in the country. 

“Nigeria is not a country where anyone should be viewed as above the law as the law is no respecter of persons. And what an irony  that the chief law officer of the country would violate the law and would still want to evade justice. If that should ever happen, then Nigeria is no longer a country but a banana republic.   

“We stand in absolute solidarity with our dear and amiable president who has risen in defense of the country by suspending the Chief Justice of the country and thereby sending a strong message to all that no matter how highly placed, once you violate the law, there would be consequences. 

“We are also at a loss as to what case or position some people to want to canvass in a situation as glaring as this. Are they trying to deny the fact that the Chief Justice of Nigeria did not commit any offense? Are they trying to say that the president didn’t do the right thing by asking the Chief Justice to proceed on suspension pending the determination of the suit before the Code of Conduct Tribunal? 

“We wish to state that it amounts to moral bankruptcy for the Chief Justice to cite “forgetfulness” as the reason for not declaring a part of his estate. And we now wonder how someone of such high standing would think he can take over 180 million Nigerians for a ride. 

“And quite ironically some ethnic and religious champions have taken turns to give the actions of the president all manners of ethnic and religious coloration at the detriment of the fact of the matter. 

“But they shall be all put to shame because the majority of Nigerians are with the president and supports wholeheartedly the action of the president in the quest to rid the judiciary of corrupt elements such as the suspended Chief Justice.  

“In Nigeria today, under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari, we have indeed seen how and what it takes to fight the cancerous corruption. That is what President Muhammadu Buhari has displayed in the bold action of his. 

“We are all gathered here despite our busy schedules to show solidarity to the man of the people. The man who has the interest of the country at heart. The man who has dared the path where no one dares venture. The man that has an unshaken belief in the unity of Nigeria. The man who says a yes and it is a yes. A man who would not dip his hands in government coffers and a man who has shown us what it takes to have integrity in a country like ours. 

“The case of the Chief Justice of Nigeria presents us with one of such instances in which our president has risen in defense of the country. 

“And it takes more than a commitment and belief in the national development agenda for such actions to protect the people from dubious and corrupt minded individuals such as the suspended Chief Justice Walter Onnoghnen. 

“We are angry at the audacity if Justice Walter Onnoghnen to insult our intelligence as a people by wanting to whip up ethnic and religious sentiments through paid political jobbers. 

“If Justice Walter Onnoghen has any atom of morals as the Chief Justice of the country, the rational thing for him to have done was to honorably resign from office to save the judicial arm of the country the shame and denigration that has it brought upon us. 

“So bad is this case that Nigeria has become a laughing stock among countries. And the ethnic champions do not see anything wrong with it the shame Justice Walter Onnoghen has brought upon our country. 

“We support President Muhammadu Buhari wholeheartedly in the fight against corruption in the judiciary. We are consequently of the firm opinion that if the judiciary is not sanitized, then we might be in for considerable trouble.”

Nigerians on Monday stormed the United States Embassy to register their grievances over the interferences of the country in the nation’s domestic affairs.

 The massive crowd drawn from various groups and organizations totaling over 10,000 heads threatened that next time they will be forced to shut down the embassy if that is what is required to take back the country.

The protest letter was delivered at a rally  at  embassy of the United States of America, Abuja on behalf of concerned citizens .

Recall that the United had last week condemned the suspension of embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen over issue bodering on  corruption. 

Speaking at the well attended rally, Princess Ajibola urged the countries to support the Nigerian government war against corruption .

She said, “The recent happenings in the country with regards to the Judicial arm of government has indeed caused Nigeria untold embarrassment especially with the admittance of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen that he forgot to declare some aspects of his assets as mandated by the law. 

“It is such a despicable act for the number one law officer in the country to act in such a manner. The implication of this is that the hopes of the common man on the street have been dashed because the Judiciary which is supposed to the hope of the masses has indeed turned to the nemesis of the masses. 

“The rot is the judicial system is such that would take the grace of God for sanity to return to the judiciary in Nigeria due to the level of corruption in the system that has resulted in money induced judgments from the magistrate court up to the Supreme Court. 

“In Nigeria, judges live above their means and see themselves as mini-gods. They give judgments to the highest bidder in most instances not minding the consequences of the actions. The judiciary in Nigeria also sabotages the war against corruption by issuing injunctions to shield corrupt persons from facing the wrath of the law.

“It became typical of Nigerian courts to delay proceedings and convictions of suspects brought before it for prosecution and later handed them soft judgments after monies must have exchanged hands. 

“In Nigeria today, judges live flamboyant lifestyles that one wonders if they are not supposed to serve as role models in the society.  

“For long Nigerians have yearned for that leader who would confront the all-powerful judiciary in the country and God in his wisdom and mercies sent us President Muhammadu Buhari. 

“We wish to state that President Muhammadu has the total support of Nigerians in the fight against corruption in the judiciary. We are solidly behind him now and always because if we do not join hands to fight corruption, we might wake up one day and realize that we do not have any country again. 

“The action of President Muhammadu Buhari against the Chief Justice of Nigeria is an action for reclaiming the soul of Nigeria back from the fold of the devil and returning it to the masses who labour on a daily basis for their daily bread.

“We can boast to high heavens that the majority of Nigerians are in support of this bold move that previous governments have shy from because they too also are beneficiaries of the rot in the judiciary. 

“God will bless President Muhammadu Buhari for toeing the path of the just in tackling the rot in the judiciary. And how else can we show our appreciation? The only way we can to show our gratitude is to continue to support him all the way. 

“Make no mistakes, the action of President Muhammadu Buhari is just, moral, constitutional and in the overall interest of the generality of Nigerians. But they are still crying wolf where none exist. 

“They are saying President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the Chief Justice because he is not a northerner. Some also say it was because he is not a Muslim. But Nigerians say it was because he betrayed the trust of the public bestowed on him by failing to declare his assets, which in a way proceed from corrupt acts. 

“Going by the wages and income of judicial officers in Nigeria, there is no way the Chief Justice of Nigeria would have in his accounts millions of dollars. That is impossible. We know that such monies could only be proceeds of corrupt acts ass evident in the manner of deposits. 

“If that is not the case how can the most senior ranking judicial officer in the country claim that he forgot that he has accounts that run into millions of dollars? Nigerians are not fools to believe such childish story. 

“We are by this medium letting the world know that Nigerians are 100% in support of the action of our president. If our president does not do it for his country, is it America or Britain that would do it for us? 

“If our president acts in the best interest of the country, is that not a good thing? Are we supposed to crucify him or support him? Or are we to pretend that all is well in the judiciary while the fat cats continue to grow fatter and the citizens’ leaner?  

“The time has come for the liberation of Nigeria, and there is no going back because it’s forward ever and backward never. 

“Nigeria and indeed Nigerians owe President Muhammadu Buhari a lot of gratitude for this bold step. We encourage him to continue his good deeds towards freeing Nigeria from the claws of the cankerworm called corruption.”

As reactions continue to trail the suspension of Justice Walter Onoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, some lawyers and civil society organizations have vowed to mobilize over 220 million Nigerians against the reinstatement of the embattled CJN. 

The groups said any attempt to reinstate Onnoghen would bring the nation’s judiciary into ridicule before the international community. 

Lawyers of Conscience, CSOS, Professionals Without Border and other group commended President Buhari for taking the anti-corruption fight to the judiciary arm of the government.

Princess Ajibola Esq, Convener of the group urged the federal government not to bow to the pressure from the opposition parties and few Nigerians who are not happy with the ouster of the billionaire CJN.

Speaking at a world press conference on Saturday in Abuja, Ajibola said the entire war against corruption would be meaningless if the judiciary continues to remain rotten since the conviction rate has remained dismal even though many suspected corrupt persons have been arraigned

His words, “Since even corruption has company, expectantly, there have been reactions to this development. The preponderance of reactions has been that the suspension of the former CJN to pave way for a fair trial of his case at the Code of Conduct Tribunal and to save the judiciary from disrepute is a step in the right direction. 

“The judiciary had in the last two weeks been at its worst as those over whom Justice Onnoghen had powers were coerced into delivering one ridiculous ruling after another in the attempts to shield him from standing trial.

“However, a narrow but fierce minority has launched a campaign to muddle the issues and create the impression that the removal of a CJN that wilfully violated the laws of Nigeria is a rape of democracy. 

“It is instructive that this narrow minority is led by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), whose members have been the greatest beneficiaries of the baffling Supreme Court rulings that were procured while Onnoghen was still in office. Members of the same party had also been reported to be banking on a Justice Onnoghen-led judiciary to sell election victory to them.

“May we also note that the lynch mob that have been criticising President Buhari have added the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as their choristers, with Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) taking on the role of back-up singers. It is simply ridiculous when we are reminded that even the current leader of the association has a case of money laundering pending before a competent court, which makes a corrupt judiciary attractive to this set of critics. The only fortunate thing is that the position being canvassed as that of the NBA is nothing but the view of a few people that are fortunate to currently be at the helms of its affairs, for we have seen many lawyers have voiced opinions that support the steps President Buhari has taken.

“Buoyed by the wrong premises advanced by the PDP and NBA, a few Nigerians have also come in their personal capacities or as groups to repeat the misleading argument that the suspension of a corrupt judge is a threat to democracy. Nothing can be farther from the truth. The real danger to democracy is allowing mobster judge continue to lead the most important arm of government, for the judiciary remains the hope of the common man. 

“We are also aware that some of them that hitherto were car parks and mortuary attendants in foreign lands are posturing as professional Nigerians and making contact with foreign countries to come and help  restore Justice Onnoghen, even though the breach he committed would have attracted stiff jail terms in the countries being so approached. May we educate those that have been sent on the international errand to bring opprobrium upon Nigeria that this is Nigeria addressing its internal challenges with corruption based on extant legislation. The point where other countries are being invited to come and “enforce” in Nigeria what they will not accept in their own jurisdiction.

“Had a poor civil servant or lowly officer committed this same infraction of saying they forgot to declare certain assets or bank accounts in their name they would have gotten to jail faster than it takes Justice Onnoghen to put on his wig. But a man who has lived most of his life interpreting the law is reluctant to present himself before a tribunal that has summoned him. If an everyday Nigerian behaves the same way the implications would be dire. Yet we are all clamouring for a Nigeria where we are all treated as equal before the law.

“We therefore condemn in its totality, this deliberate attempt by mischief-makers, hiding under the lie of defending democracy and in tandem with the billionaire ex-CJN to attempt criminalizing an action taken in furtherance of the anti-corruption. The dubious nature of their response to the suspension of the ex-CJN is exposed by the growing threats from these people, which border on trying to shut down the government simply because President Buhari dared to touch corruption at its very core as the judiciary had become the guaranteed for corrupt people that they can always escape the consequences of stealing from Nigerians.

“We salute the courage of President Buhari for daring to take on corruption in the judiciary even on the threshold of elections without fearing that he could lose the votes of those that may be positively disposed to keeping that arm of government corrupt. Yet we acknowledge the imperative of taking this step, which is obvious. The entire war against corruption would be meaningless if the judiciary continues to remain rotten since the conviction rate has remained dismal even though many suspected corrupt persons have been arraigned. They simply get arraigned and then initiate series of hanky-panky that means they never get convicted. 

“The billionaire ex-CJN, Justice Walter was reputed to be the coordinator of sale of justice by the bench with the money found in his undeclared account said to be the proceeds of judgement procured by the likes of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who curiously has had a case that is not too different from Justice Onnoghen’s own before the CCT. Corrupt politicians and Nigerians are aware of this and would have preferred that the status quo remain.”

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank has called on the international community to urgently prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse illegal and forceful suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen. Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen In an email Frank sent to the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and the European Union representatives in Nigeria, on Friday night, he insisted that Buhari has by the suspension and swearing-in of an Acting CJN has set a dangerous stage for massive disobedience to law and order which may lead to an unfathomable chaos, anarchy and an imminent descent to a civil war in the country. 

He called on Nigerians and the international community to know that illegally suspending Onnoghen, Buhari has just began the implementation of his NEXT LEVEL AGENDA. He insisted that the dictatorial actions of the President in undermining the judiciary has portents unimaginable implications for the nation’s democracy. “Buhari has just executed a coup against democracy in Nigeria and kick-started fascism in the country,” he stated, even as he called on Nigerians to rise up and defend democracy with every resource at their disposal. 

Frank, who was responding to the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen and the swearing-in of Justice Tanko Mohammed from Bauchi state to act as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) said the President has practically drawn a battle line between him and the people of the Niger Delta in particular and Southern Nigeria in general. The political activist added that the President Buhari has further confirmed fears in the minds of many Nigerians that the President was out to simply remove Onnoghen so as to perfect a rigging plan ahead of the forthcoming election. He reminded Nigerians and the world how a former Director General of the DSS, from tne same South-south region was removed because he was neither Hausa, Muslim or from the North. 

“I’m using this opportunity to call on the youth, leaders and Elder in the Niger Delta to come to the realisation that Buhari hates Christians and does not love the people of the region. “I also call on Nigerian Christian leaders to realise that this President has perfected plans to sack all the Christians holding critical positions in his cabinet. “I’m using this medium to tell the international community to, as a matter of urgency prevail on Buhari to reverse this decision. 

“The international community should also know that if any crisis erupts in the country today, especially in the Niger Delta, the President should be held responsible and made to face charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) because his Hausa/Fulani ethnic agenda would may lead the country to war.” According to Frank, President Buhari was quick to illegally and unilaterally suspend Justice Onnoghen but has yet to act on the multi-billion Naira NEMA scandal involving the Vice President, the MTN scandal involving his Chief of staff, grass cutting scandal involving the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, bribe taking video involving the Kano state governor, and many other corruption allegations replete in his cabinet. Frank said: “Buhari is desperate to hang on to power by rigging the presidential election because if it is through voting, it is clear Nigerians have reject him. 

“By this action, it means that the opposition will never get justice at the Supreme Court.” The Bayelsa-born activist however, said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been vindicated when he described the Buhari’s government as a return of the Abacha Era.

Elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner in the Public Complaints Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has stated that the suspension of embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Walter Onnoghen has saved judiciary and the nation Nigeria  from shame.

Recall that Buhari had on Friday suspended Onnoghen following an interim order by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in favour of the Federal Government. 

Mr. Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed was appointed as the acting CJN in his place.

Reacting to the development, Tsav in a statement on Friday night said any Nigerian who is not happy with the suspension of Justice Onnoghen is irredeemably corrupt and wicked.

 

He said, “The swearing in of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by President Muhammadu Buhari is a welcome development as it  would pave the way for the former CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to now have the focus necessary for him to clear himself before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

“It must be noted that Justice Onnoghen’s date with the CCT is about explaining how and why he operated series of domiciliary bank accounts in violation of the law. His arraignment before the Tribunal is not in connection with a ruling he gave or the way he conducted himself in court so the distraction he caused by claiming that only the National Judicial Council (NJC) could discipline him does not apply in this instance.

“President Buhari must be commended for acting to save the judiciary and the image of our country, which was fast being reduced into a circus as the erstwhile chief interpreter of the law was about setting a dangerous precedent of ignoring court summons for him to be arraigned. It took the decisive call of Mr. President to save the judiciary from shame and save Nigeria’s democracy from the collision course that the ex-CJN’s behaviour had set it.

“The Nigerian judiciary came to a low point that still requires intensive damage control. The clear cut matter of the former CJN appearing before the Tribunal to defend himself against the charges of false asset declaration preferred against him by the Federal Government became something that was being argued and interpreted at beer parlor joints while the accused repeatedly exploited ridiculous loopholes to evade appearing in court.

“Had he persisted in office when it was imperative that he should vacate the position to ensure that his case before the CCT was not unduly influenced by his position, the entire democratic structure of Nigeria would have been compromised since all post-election litigations that would produce questionable rulings would have Onnoghen’s handprint all over them.

“The law is no respecter of persons so Justice Onnoghen should prove to Nigerians that he believes in the treatment he had dished to them for several decades now; he himself admitted committing the infractions.  It is now up to him to argue extenuating circumstances in defence of his action. 

“It is most unfortunate that this bold step towards saving the judiciary from itself is being given both political and ethnic coloration, which is most unfortunate as the arguments be pushed forward by some of those speaking in favour of Onnoghen are in reality casting aspersion on his integrity for a judicial officer of his stature should not be portrayed as being a card carrying member of a political party for its chieftains to rise in his vehement defence.

“Any Nigerian who is not happy with the suspension of billionaire Justice Onnoghen after all the revelations which he (Onnoghen) has not denied, is irredeemably corrupt, wicked and is undeserving of making contributions to the ongoing discourse around the reforms needed in the judiciary.

Meanwhile, acting CJN Justice Tanko should see the events leading to his appointment as a wake-up call to initiate the reforms and anti-corruption crusade needed to sanitize the judiciary in Nigeria while ensuring that the era of justice being put on sale is a thing of the past.”

The factional gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu has reportedly directed his loyalists to join force with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) ahead of the 2019 general election.

Though  the Adebutu faction is recognized by the National body of the party, the Senator Buruji Kashamu led faction through various judgements of court is being recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

APM had been adopted by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, after his rejection at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun governorship primaries outcome.

Amosun’s loyalists, including the APM governorship candidate, Adekunle Akinlade (a federal lawmaker, moved out of the APC after the national leadership insisted Dapo Abiodun (an oil mogul) won the primary.

Adebutu latest decision, Newsjaunts learnt on Friday, was as a result of the “resolved rift” within the PDP in the state.

On January 17th, INEC released the final list of candidates for the Presidential and National Assembly positions across the country.

The list of Ogun State candidates of the PDP had that of the faction loyal to Kashamu.

A Chieftain of APM disclosed to Newsjaunts, on anonymity, that a gentleman’s agreement was reached between the Amosun faction of the APC (now in APM) and Adebutu’s camp before the primaries, that the latter would work for Amosun’s candidate should he lose out in the guber ticket tussle.

However, it was gathered that Adebutu would not openly campaign against the PDP.

A source in the lawmaker’s Apex committee (comprises his campaign team and loyalists in Ogun PDP) disclosed that his leader still enjoys the support of the national leadership of the party and hence, had no plans to dump the platform.

He said: “Oga has spent so much in this election and he can’t just go like that. If he leaves, Buruji will be the one the national body will be forced to relate with in Ogun for the presidential election. So, he won’t quit for someone to reap the fruit of his labour”.

On Adebutu’s position on the contest between President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been adopted by the APM, and PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, the member said: “Politics is about interest and everyone is allowed to pursue personal interest first.

“Hon. Ladi doesn’t have any issues with President Buhari. To the best of my knowledge, he remains in the PDP and won’t go against his party”

•Suspended CJN Onnoghen

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed an acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

He is Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed, the most senior judge in the Supreme Court.

The President said he acted on the request of the Code of Conduct Tribunal CCT.

Newsjaunts gathered that the new Ag. CJN was sworn in a while ago at the State House in Abuja.

A pro-democracy group on Thursday staged a massive rally in Lagos State against the alleged plot by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to install an interim government.

The protest was led by the Coalition for Defence of Democracy in Nigeria (CDDN).

According to the group there is a credible intelligence that Obasanjo political allies we hell bent on making the country ungovernable. 

CDDN, therefore, called on the Federal Government drop its tolerant attitude and put the pressure on Obasanjo to immediately call off all the attacks that are planned against the interests of Nigeria

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Rachel Okpara, Executive Director of CDDN, appealed to the international community to call Obasanjo, Atiku and other incendiary members of the opposition to order before they sink the nation.

Her words, “We are telling the world that there is a credible intelligence that a former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is the one that hatched the plan to destroy the country in conjunction with his political allies. It was for this reason that Obasanjo released his so called “POINTS FOR CONCERN AND ACTION,” a document that has now been confirmed as intended to incite Nigerians as a precursor to the orgy of violence that his co-planners will unleash on the country.

“We are also asserting that more than the emergence of an interim government that the federal government refers to, Obasanjo, Atiku Abubakar who is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate and other opposition elements have their sight on an outright coup to overthrow Nigeria’s democracy. It is for this reason that Obasanjo returned to his vomit after vowing that God will never forgive him if he ever supported Atiku.

“CDDN is not going to adopt the tolerant indifference that the Federal Government is showing to a threat of this magnitude, which with all certainty will throw the nation into chaos. The Federal Government might be worried about being described as clamping down on dissent and the opposition but we have no such political tightrope balancing to do. We see things from the perspective of the immediate and long term impact on citizens. The safety of Nigerians is superior to whatever offices could be won or lost by officials of the federal government.

“He has the links to Boko Haram, Terwase Akwaza (Gana), the miscreants in Kano and the Nigerien mercenaries; he should be persuaded to reel them in so that Nigeria is not plunged into crisis. The federal government omitted to mention them but we are aware that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), a designated terror organization and militants in the Niger-Delta have been contacted by a particular running mate to a presidential candidate to carry out the destabilization in the south-east and south-south.

“CNND hereby puts the groups that have been contracted to carry out these attacks on notice. The will of Nigerians towers above their capacity for evil and the supremacy of the Nigerian state and its capacity to respond to the threat they pose is not in doubt. They have the obvious option of backing down and calling their assigned mission off now before it is too late because Nigerians will support the government to unleash the full strength of the state against these threats even if it means embarking on emergency conscription to defeat evil.

“We appeal to the international community to call Obasanjo, Atiku and other incendiary members of the opposition to order. They should be held responsible since they are the ones that have propping up the groups and individuals named in the planned attacks. The international must make it clear to these elements that any contraption that emerges from truncation of Nigeria’s democracy will not be accepted. They should prevail on Obasanjo and his ilk to desist from the plot to throw Nigeria into chaos.”