The United States of America has kicked against the suspension of Walter Onnoghen, embattled Nigeria’s Justice Chief.
Mr Onnoghen was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari on the recommendation of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, (CCT).
He is accused of failing to declare some assets traced to him.
While suspending him yesterday, the president alleged that the top jurist has derailed his anti-corruption war by freeing alleged corrupt individuals who parade themselves freely in the society.
“The Embassy of the United States is deeply concerned by the impact of the executive branch’s decision to suspend and replace the Chief Justice and head of the judicial branch without the support of the legislative branch on the eve of national and state elections,” the embassy said in a statement on Saturday after protests against the government’s decision was staged at its premisses.
“We note widespread Nigerian criticism that this decision is unconstitutional and that it undermines the independence of the judicial branch.
“That undercuts the stated determination of government, candidates, and political party leaders to ensure that the elections proceed in a way that is free, fair, transparent, and peaceful – leading to a credible result.
“We urge that the issues raised by this decision be resolved swiftly and peacefully in accordance with due process, full respect for the rule of law, and the spirit of the Constitution of Nigeria.
“Such action is needed urgently now to ensure that this decision does not cast a pall over the electoral process,” the statement added.
