Television Nigerian

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.”

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.”