SAN FRANCISCO, February 02, (THEWILL) – The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Thursday pleaded with Nigerians not to pressure President Muhammadu Buhari into making him the substantive CJN, stating that “the president does not need any threat or ultimatum to perform his constitutional duties”.
Several lawyers, activists and other Nigerians have criticised Buhari for not submitting Onnoghen’s name to Senate for confirmation as the Chief Justice of Nigeria almost three months since he was appointed in acting capacity following the National Judicial Council’s recommendation of Onnoghen to the President to be made the CJN.
But the Acting CJN, in a statement by his media aide, Awassam Bassey, called on “Nigerians to allow Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, a free hand to perform his constitutional duties concerning the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria”.
According to the statement, “Honourable Justice Onnoghen believes the president does not need any threat or ultimatum to perform his constitutional duties and therefore dissociates himself from those individuals and groups making such demands on the president.
“However, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Nigerian Judiciary sincerely appreciate the interest of Nigerians towards the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria to oversee the affairs of the Judiciary as the third arm of government, but believes that issuing an ultimatum to Mr. President appears to be going too far and smacks of disrespect for the exalted office of the president.
“The Acting Chief Justice therefore appeals for caution on the issue of the appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria as Mr President goes about his constitutional duties, especially considering the fact that the given time for him to act as Chief Justice of Nigeria has not expired.
“In conclusion, the Acting Chief Justice wishes to thank all Nigerians for their support and continued prayers while calling on them to back the Federal Government in the fight to make the country a better place for all.”
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