The United States Embassy on Saturday criticised President Muhammadu Buhari’s suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen and his replacement with Justice Mohammed Tanko.
In a three-paragraph statement posted on its website and Facebook page, the Embassy said it is deeply concerned by the impact of the decision to suspend and replace the CJN without input from the National Assembly.
Coming on the eve of national and state elections, the Embassy said it has noted the widespread criticism of the action by Nigerians as unconstitutional and an affront to the independence of the judiciary arm of the government.
It, therefore, urged the Nigerian Government to swiftly resolve the issues raised by the action in accordance with due process, respect for the rule of law and the spirit of the 1999 Constitution.
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“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 statement reads.
“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.”
President Buhari had on Friday announced the suspension of Justice Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and his replacement by Mr. Tanko.
In taking the decision, Mr. Buhari said he was carrying out the order of Code of Conduct Tribunal which he said ruled that Mr. Onnoghen should step aside until the false asset declaration charges brought against him were determined.
But the action had triggered widespread condemnation by individuals, groups and organisations including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
