The presidency has once again criticized the US, UK and EU over their statements on the suspension of Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The presidency has once again criticized the US, UK and EU over their statements on the suspension of Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN). President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Onnoghen on Friday over the false declaration of assets charges filed against him. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) had filed six-count charge against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) following a petition written against the CJN.
Although he failed to appear before the CCT which summoned him, the tribunal ordered that he be replaced with Ibrahim Muhammad. The implementation of the order triggered fierce criticisms, with the UK, US and EU, calling on the Buhari administration not to heat up the polity. In separate statements, they said the action could affect the credibility of the general election. Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, had said Nigeria would not accept foreign interference.
However, in another statement, Shehu said the statements of the foreign countries were based on unfounded assumptions. He said linking the suspension to the elections is illogical, advising them to refrain from being too hastily attracted by the arguments of those who have partisan agenda at odds with the government’s positions.
