[ad_1]
International observers have expressed concern over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, just three weeks before the general elections.
Judge Walter Onnoghen was suspended on Friday by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He faces charges for failing to declare his personal badets before taking office in 2017.
However, the EU, the United Kingdom and the United States have strongly criticized his dismissal, suggesting that he could "throw a veil over the electoral process".
Buhari's decision was dubbed "dictatorial act" by his main opponent in next month's election, Atiku Abubakar.
Opposition politicians suspended their campaign in protest against the president's decision to suspend the president of the Supreme Court.
President Buhari, who is seeking a second term, has often accused the judiciary of defeating his fight against corruption.
However, no details were given about the reasons for the move.
Image: Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen's lawyers seen here in his court last week
Why international pressure?
As head of the judiciary, the Chief Justice of Nigeria plays a key role in the resolution of electoral disputes.
The charges against the supreme judge and his subsequent suspension just before the elections are widely regarded as politically motivated.
The suspension occurs less than 24 hours before Mr. Onnoghen is supposed to take an oath to the members of the electoral tribunals.
"The decision to suspend the Chief Justice has led many Nigerians, including lawyers and civil society observer groups, to question whether due process has been followed," the Mission said. 39, Election Observation of the EU (EOM) in a statement.
Judge Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen was suspended by the President @ Mbhari based on the court order. See the details pic.twitter.com/gxs5UvkeG1
– Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) January 25, 2019
The US Embbady has declared "deeply concerned" by the decision to replace Judge Onnoghen "without the support of the legislature on the eve of national and national elections".
The British High Commission has also expressed "serious concerns about the suspension", saying in a statement: "This could undermine the national and international perception of the credibility of the next elections".
[ad_2]
Source link
