Why I suspended Onnoghen – CCT Chairman

Justice-Walter-Onnoghen2
Justice-Walter-Onnoghen2

The suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Walter Onnoghen had whipped up serious sentiments in the country, and even internationally – with many arguing for and agains the move.

With the suspension and the appointment of an acting CJN, Nigerians from all over had a hot topic to debate on, for many weeks.

However, Danladi Umar, chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), has revealed why he ordered the suspension of Onnoghen.

According to the CCT chairman, his action was in line with the jurisdiction and powers of the tribunal.

“it is left to the appellate court to determine whether or not the order was rightly or wrongly granted, ” he said.

This was in reaction to a petition filed against him by a lawyer, Grace Wogor, and forwarded to him by the federal judicial service commission (FJSC) – Claiming he acted outside his jurisdiction and powers.

“The petitioner had alleged that I granted an ex parte order directing the President to suspend the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is a defendant in a charge filed against him at the tribunal.”

“It is important to state that I acted within the inherent powers and jurisdiction of the Tribunal and that whether or not the order was rightly or wrongly granted is now a matter to be determined by the Court of Appeal, since the defendant appealed against the ex parte order.”