The onnoghen case and other stories
A fascinating topic! The Onnoghen case refers to the controversy surrounding the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, who was accused of non-declaration of assets and other financial infractions. Here's a brief summary:
Background: In January 2019, the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) charged Onnoghen with six counts of non-declaration of assets, including foreign accounts and properties. The charges were brought by the Federal Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The controversy: Onnoghen denied the allegations, claiming that he had declared his assets and that the charges were politically motivated. The opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused the government of trying to remove Onnoghen to influence the outcome of the upcoming general elections.
The drama unfolds: On January 28, 2019, the CCT issued a warrant for Onnoghen's arrest, but he was already absent from work. The government then suspended him as Chief Justice of Nigeria, citing the CCT's warrant and the need to maintain the integrity of the judiciary.
International reactions: The suspension sparked widespread international condemnation, with many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, expressing concerns about the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary in Nigeria.
The aftermath: On February 13, 2019, Onnoghen was replaced by Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria. Onnoghen was later convicted by the CCT and sentenced to a fine of N5 million (approximately $13,000).
Other stories:
- The 2019 general elections: The controversy surrounding Onnoghen's suspension and conviction was seen as a major issue in the 2019 general elections, with many Nigerians questioning the government's motives and the integrity of the electoral process.
- The judiciary's response: The Nigerian judiciary, led by the National Judicial Council (NJC), criticized the government's actions, saying they were unconstitutional and undermined the independence of the judiciary.
- The role of the National Assembly: The National Assembly, Nigeria's parliament, also got involved, with some lawmakers calling for Onnoghen's reinstatement and others supporting the government's actions.
- The impact on Nigeria's judiciary: The Onnoghen case has raised concerns about the independence and integrity of Nigeria's judiciary, with many Nigerians questioning the ability of the judiciary to operate freely and impartially.
Overall, the Onnoghen case has been a significant controversy in Nigeria, highlighting the complex issues surrounding the country's judiciary and the ongoing struggle for democratic governance.