The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room describes the removal of Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria as unconstitutional and illegal action, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to refrain from interfering with the independence of the judiciary

THE Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, NCSSR, an umbrella of non governmental organizations involved in election monitoring, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse the suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria, CJN.

The Situation Room described the action of Buhari as a violation of the constitutional procedure for the removal of the CJN as stipulated in Section 292 of the Nigerian constitution.

A statement issued on Saturday by Clement Nwankwo, convener of NCSSR, said the action “represents a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy and a descent into constitutional anarchy.”

“The Constitution of Nigeria is explicit in stating that the Chief Justice of Nigeria may only be removed from office upon a motion supported by two-third of members of the Nigeria Senate on specified grounds. In purporting to remove the CJN from office, President Buhari has breached the constitution and has acted with impunity and disdain for the rule of law, due process and constitutionality.

“The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room calls on President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse this unconstitutional and illegal action and refrain from interfering with the independence of the judiciary as clearly recognized by the Nigerian constitution, especially with the general elections scheduled to hold in about three weeks.

“Situation Room also calls on the National Assembly to urgently reconvene in an emergency session and provide needed legislative response to this blatant challenge to our constitution and democracy.”

– Jan. 26, 2019 @ 9:17 GMT |