Governors of the South-South region have called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen not to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
This was made known in a communique signed by the Governors after an emergency meeting on Sunday, January 13, 2019.
The Governors met to discuss, among other things, the planned trial of the CJN.
Onnoghen is expected to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Monday, January 14, 2019.
A statement obtained from the Facebook page of Lere Olayinka, the media aide of former Ekiti state Governor, Ayo Fayose reads:
The meeting deliberated on the recent
happenings at the Supreme Court involving the Chief Justice of the
Federation, Justice Walter Onnoghen and resolved that the action against
him constitutes a setback to the gains of the nation’s democratic
experience of 20 years.
We note that under Section 158(1) of the 1999
Constitution, the National Judicial Council, has ample powers to deal
exhaustively with matters pertaining to allegations of misconduct and
discipline of Judicial officers. Specifically, the NJC has the powers
and clear procedures for investigating allegations, and recommending
appropriate sanctions or disciplinary measures against judicial
officials as a matter of first instance before any further steps.
The judicial pronouncements ina ` the cases of
FGN Vs Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court (January 9, 2018)
and Justice Ngajinwa Vs FGN 2017 at the CCT have given validation to the
express provisions of the constitution on this issue.
We note that the attempt to drag the
CJN to the CCT is also a grave and dangerous escalation of the assault
on institutions of state including the National Assembly and the
judiciary
We believe that the President, Muhammadu
Buhari has a constitutional responsibility and huge moral obligation to
defend our democracy.
Therefore, we consider this step, which is
directly aimed at humiliating the nation’s highest judicial officer and a
prominent son of the region, as totally unacceptable as it is
reflective of the South South story of endless marginalization and
intimidation. The unceremonious removal of former Acting Director
General of the Department of State Service, Mathew Seiyefa and his
replacement is still very fresh.
We note that the unfortunate action against
the CJN further reinforces the perception that the Buhari administration
has no regard for the sentiments of Nigerians, in particular the people
of Niger Delta, and the rule of law
It is a fact that this administration has a
penchant for flagrant disobedience of and disregard for legitimate and
valid court orders.
We expect President Buhari to know that
democracy cannot survive without respect for the constitution, strict
adherence to the rule of law, and separation of powers as enshrined in
the constitution.
We strongly believe that the regrettable
development at the Supreme Court at this critical time, when
preparations for the general elections are wobbling (with serious
concern about INEC and security agencies) is capable of causing
avoidable anxiety, tension and possible breakdown of law and order in
the country.
We note further that the action undermines
confidence not only in the judiciary but also the electoral process that
has already commenced, in view of the pivotal role that the judiciary
plays in the process of electoral adjudication.
We affirm President Buhari should know that
the continuous assault on critical institutions of state is a defining
feature of a dictatorship, and that the President is obliged to live up
to his word that he is a born-again democrat, as he assured Nigerians in
2015.
Based on the foregoing, we hereby call on the President:
1) To condemn without any equivocation, this
assault on the CJN and the judiciary especially coming after similar
assaults on the National Assembly, to save the country from this
embarrassment and global contempt.
2) We call on the CJN to ignore this so-called
Court summon from the CCB and the provocative call for his resignation
in some quarters.
While we are not opposed to a genuine fight against corruption, such an action must always be anchored on the rule of law.
We also decry the massive buildup of arms by
APC leaders and members across the Niger Delta with the intent to cause
mayhem and a general breakdown of law and order during the elections.
Dated this day January 13, 2019
Signed
The Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State
HE Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State
HE, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, Governort of Cross River State
HE Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State
HE Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State.
According to Premium Times, the Governor of Edo state and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki was absent at the meeting.
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