CCT trial: Supreme Court speaks on ‘crisis’ over Onnoghen’s resignation

Supreme Court has reacted to speculations that the Justices of the apex court were split over the retirement of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen. Justice Onnoghen,

Onnoghen, who had been on trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over non-declaration of assets, stirred controversy online days ago after he turned in resignation to President Muhammadu Buhari.

DAILY POST recalls that the lawyer to the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), disclosed that his client took the decision in the interest of the judiciary.

The apex court in a statement through its Director of Press and Information, Dr. Festus Akande, described reports of split in judiciary over Onnoghen resignation as false

Akande noted that the Supreme Court was united despite Onnoghen’s exit.

The statement read: “It is necessary to state categorically clear that the publication of Onnoghen exit causing a split among justices is false and misleading in its entirety.

“There is no iota of truth in the story, as every word in it only exists in the realm of rumour and mischief.

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria is one big, indivisible judicial family that is not, in any way, governed by religious, tribal or parochial influence or sentiments.

“The Judicial oath taken by all the justices of the court; has already initiated a potent sacred bond to regulate and conscientise the conducts of their lordships in the discharge of their judicial functions.

“For the umpteenth time, let it be known to all and sundry that no judicial officer is appointed on account of religious or tribal affiliation, as such, the discharge of their judicial obligations cannot be dictated by such extraneous considerations.

“As it has always been, the Supreme Court justices and the entire management are united, cohesive and indivisible in the quest to move the court to an enviable height.”

(Daily Post News Nigeria)