The onnoghen affair getting the judiciary and the bar to work for justice

The Onnoghen affair refers to the controversy surrounding the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, who was accused of non-declaration of assets and other financial infractions. The affair led to a significant crisis in the Nigerian judiciary and the legal profession, with far-reaching implications for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

Here are some ways in which the judiciary and the bar came together to work for justice in the Onnoghen affair:

  1. Judicial activism: The judiciary, led by the Supreme Court, took a bold stance in defending the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. The court refused to bow to political pressure and ensured that the case against Onnoghen was heard and determined based on the law.
  2. Bar Association's intervention: The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) played a crucial role in the affair, advocating for the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. The NBA condemned the government's actions and called for the reinstatement of Onnoghen.
  3. Amicus curiae briefs: The NBA and other legal organizations filed amicus curiae briefs in the Supreme Court, providing legal arguments and insights to support the court's decision. These briefs helped to strengthen the court's position and ensured that the law was applied fairly.
  4. Public awareness campaign: The judiciary and the bar launched a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the importance of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. This campaign helped to build public support for the judiciary and the legal profession.
  5. Collaboration with other stakeholders: The judiciary and the bar collaborated with other stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the media, to ensure that the case was heard and determined fairly. This collaboration helped to build a coalition of support for the judiciary and the rule of law.
  6. Respect for the rule of law: The judiciary and the bar demonstrated respect for the rule of law by ensuring that the case against Onnoghen was heard and determined based on the law, rather than political considerations. This respect for the law helped to maintain public confidence in the judiciary and the legal profession.

In conclusion, the Onnoghen affair highlighted the importance of the judiciary and the bar working together to defend the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. The crisis also demonstrated the resilience and determination of the judiciary and the bar in the face of political pressure and adversity.