By Baron Ike
Those who thought they are making a case for the confirmation of the appointment of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen by pressuring President Muhammadu Buhari to forward his name to the senate for confirmation are now on their own.
Reason: Onnoghen said they do not have the right to tell Buhari how to discharge his constitutional role as president, even though he said he appreciated their efforts in making a case for him.
Many well-meaning Nigerians including ranking lawyers andn activists such as Wole Olanipekun, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, and politicians like Senator John Owan Enoh leading a caucus of lawmakers from Cross River State have spoken glowingly about the failure of Buhari to send Onnoghen’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
Regardless, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria has appealed to Nigerians not to pressure Buhari into appointing him the substantive Chief Justice.
Onnoghen made the appeal in a statement by his media aide, Awassam Bassey.
The National Judicial Council had earlier recommended Onnoghen to Buhari to be made substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria. Onnoghen’s role as Acting Chief Justice will lapse on February 10.
On Thursday, February 2 Onnoghen appealed to “Nigerians to allow Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, a free hand to perform his constitutional duties concerning the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.”
His aide wrote:“Honourable Justice Onnoghen believes the president does not need any threat or ultimatum to perform his constitutional duties and therefore dissociates himself from those individuals and groups making such demands on the president.
“However, the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Nigerian Judiciary sincerely appreciate the interest of Nigerians towards the appointment of a substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria to oversee the affairs of the Judiciary as the third arm of government, but believes that issuing an ultimatum to Mr. President appears to be going too far and smacks of disrespect for the exalted office of the president.
“The Acting Chief Justice therefore appeals for caution on the issue of the appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria as Mr President goes about his constitutional duties, especially considering the fact that the given time for him to act as Chief Justice of Nigeria has not expired.
“In conclusion, the Acting Chief Justice wishes to thank all Nigerians for their support and continued prayers while calling on them to back the Federal Government in the fight to make the country a better place for all.”