President Muhammadu Buhari has unconstitutionally announced the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), The Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen, in his words, pending the completion of his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Meanwhile, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed has immediately been “sworn in” as acting CJN, albeit, unconstitutionally.
Section 292 of 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, states:
(1) A judicial officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement except in the following circumstances –
(a) in the case of –
(i) Chief Justice of Nigeria, President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and President, Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate.”
And on May 29th 2015, President Buhari swore to protect the provisions of this Constitution.
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