The Peter Obi Support Network (POSN), has asked the National Assembly to reconvene immediately and begin impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari for his unconstitutional suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honorable Mr. Justice Walter S C Onnoghen, GCON and the swearing-in of Hon Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The group in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Chief Tochukwu Ezeoke and made available to newsmen said that President Buhari has confirmed the statement of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo that Nigeria has returned to the Abacha era.
Wondering how Buhari could disregard clear constitutional provisions on the removal of the CJN, described Justice Onnoghen’s sack by President Buhari, purportedly made pursuant to an Ex-Parte Order issued by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Wednesday, 23 January 2019 as shocking.
“The National Assembly should assert its constitutional authority and powers and prevent this slide into chaos and erosion of the Rule of Law.
“We call on the Federal Government to avert the looming constitutional crisis precipitated by its ill-advised action.
“In particular, POSN demands the reversal of the purported suspension of Justice Onnoghen, failing which NASS should immediately reconvene to start impeachment proceedings against the president”.
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Noting that this “coup against Constitutional Democracy in Nigeria” by President Muhammadu Buhari could precipitate a constitutional crisis, POSN said the President has no power to unilaterally suspend the CJN.
“Section 292 of the amended 1999 Constitution is clear that the President can only remove the CJN via a resolution passed by 2/3 majority of the Senate.
“This latest action is a clear suspension of the constitution and enthronement of full-blown dictatorship.
“The CCT Judge, Dan Ladi Umar that recommended the suspension of the CJN also has a pending case of receiving a bribe of $1.8million with the EFCC. If Buhari did not suspend the CCT Judge, why is he suspending the CJN?
“We unequivocally reject and condemn this attempted coup against the Nigerian Judiciary and evident suspension of the Nigerian Constitution by the Executive arm of the Federal Government.
“The action of the executive portends a slide into anarchy and complete deconstruction of the Rule of Law and due process.
“It amounts to an absolute breach of the constitution and the usurpation of the powers of the Senate and the Nigerian Judicial Council”.
“Buhari has ignored the laws of the country in spite of the clear provision of the constitution on how to remove the CJN.
“We therefore, call on the National Assembly to reconvene immediately and begin impeachment process against the President, Muhammadu Buhari for breaching the constitution which he swore to uphold.”
