The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Federal Government to discontinue the prosecution of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, and follow due process.
The Federal Government is prosecuting the CJN at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for allegedly failing to declare his assets.
A statement issued by the NBA President, Mr Paul Usoro, on Monday in Abuja, urged the government to follow due process if its goal was to remove Onnoghen from office.
“Due process is not followed when the Executive Branch of the Federal Government files an Interlocutory Motion before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for the removal of the CJN.
“Such an application disparages, and assaults due process as enshrined in Section 292(1)(a)(i) of the 1999 Constitution.
“The said section is very explicit on the due process for the CJN’s removal,” the NBA president said.
According to Usoro, the constitution leaves no room, however, for the removal of the CJN from office, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, other than through the necessary due process.
The NBA president said that Nigeria was a country governed by laws and the government owed Nigerians a duty to comply strictly with provisions of the constitution for the removal of the CJN.
Meanwhile, Justice Inyang Ekwo has granted an order of interim injunction restraining President Buhari and the AGF from removing the CJN from office pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed by Action Peoples Party.
The Justice made the ruling at a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, January 21.
The court adjourned the hearing of the motion on notice to the 29th of January with an order to parties to maintain the status quo ante.
