CJN’s trial is illegal, unconstitutional

CJN’s trial is illegal, unconstitutional - Lawyers

- Lawyers have continued to criticise the trial of the CJN, Walter Onoghen, by the CCT

- CCT had levelled six charges against the CJN, bordering on alleged failure to declare his assets

- The legal practitioners described the trial as illegal and unconstitutional

Some notable Nigerian lawyers have described as untimely, illegal and unconstitutional the prosecution of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onoghen, by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) consequent to the petition by the executive secretary of the anti-corruption research data-based initiative, Dennis Aghanya, and submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Legit.ng regional reporter, Subair Mohammed, reports that the senior lawyers argued that the court of appeal in the case of NGANJIWA V FRN held that no serving judge in Nigeria can be investigated or tried in a court of law without being removed from the Bench.

It would be recalled that the Code of Conduct Tribunal levelled six charges against the CJN bordering on his alleged failure to declare his assets and operating a domiciliary account since 2011.

Reacting to the trial of the country’s number judicial officer by the federal government, a lawyer and social commentator, Jiti Ogunye on his Facebook page, wrote that the hasty decision to prosecute the serving Chief Justice of Nigeria is unprecedented in the political history of Nigeria.

He, however, cautioned the federal government on the consequence of putting the CJN on trial while in office especially as the general election is few days away.

He said: “The CJN, the Supreme Court and the NJC will play certain statutory roles, post the elections. These judicial authorities are playing some adjudicatory and administrative roles regarding the determination of pre-election matters arising from contentious party primaries.

"Putting the CJN who is also the head of the Judiciary on trial while still in office, certainly, will impact the Nigerian judiciary negatively.

"The CJN is, in the eye of the law, presumed innocent, until he is proved and found guilty. Being charged at all, however, implicates his right to fair hearing, as many will start arguing that he should step down from office.

"Meanwhile, a petition must have been written against the judge, and he must have faced an administrative disciplinary process of the NJC for an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct for judicial officers, found guilty, recommended by the NJC for removal from office and removed from office by the executive arm of government.

"We support the fight against corruption in the public sector and in the Judiciary in particular. But this fight must be done in scrupulous conformity with the rule of law.

"In the light of the foregoing, we call on the president of Nigeria to direct that the charges filed against the CJN be withdrawn forthwith for its incompetence, even as the administration continues to explore other legitimate and constitutional means to continue its fight against corrupt practices in our public life.”

In his interview monitored on Channels TV news at 10, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Paul Ananaba, also expressed his displeasure over the arraignment of the CJN.

He is worried about the timing of the prosecution.

He said: “I am a bit worried about the timing. Why is this coming at a time when the country is preparing for a very vital election? The CJN has a prominent role to play in the forthcoming election.

"He is vested with the power to appoint members and oversee the panel that is constituted in the event of presidential election petitions. We must allow the rule of law to prevail.

"It is the interpretation that is given to the law that is law and that interpretation must be given by the judiciary and not the executive arm.

"Therefore before any judicial officer is prosecuted by anti-graft agencies, the NJC must have dismissed such officer from the bench. As much as I hold thatnobody is above the law, due process must be adhered to.”

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that Walter Samuel, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), refuted claims that he was served summons to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to face trial over alleged false asset declaration.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better.

South-South governors condemn trial of CJN Onnoghen | - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

from Nigeria News today & Breaking Naija news ▷ Read on LEGIT.NG 24/7 http://bit.ly/2DbxhDh
via EDUPEDIA24/7

The beautiful model Christina Evangeline: age, ethnicity, net worth, husband, baby

The art of modelling is more than merely putting on designer clothes and hitting the runway. It requires a lot of effort, self-care, determination, and an energetic spirit. Christina Evangeline, who is very attractive and beautiful, is a model who dedicated all her energy into this esteemed career. Fame and plenty of public attention came with her job, and she continues to show young women that success does not come overnight. It requires hard work and passion! Image: instagram.com, @yoevangeline Source: Instagram Who is Christina Evangeline ? According to the Christina Evangeline biography, she is a model who is best known for being Kenan Thompson’s wife. Christina was born on the 24th of March 1989 in the United States of America. Currently, Christina Evangeline age is 30 years. Her nationality is American, and she identifies herself as a Christian. Christina Evangeline ethnicity is White, and her Zodiac sign is Aries. Christina Evangeline race is Caucasian. Details of her paren...

Former Maritime Agency Boss, Buba Galadima, Accuses AMCON Of Witch-hunt After Property Takeover

A former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Agency, Buba Galadima, has accused the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria of witch-hunt after the agency took possession of his business and assets on Tuesday in Abuja. Galadima, an ardent critic of President Muhammadu Buhari, claimed that he did not borrow money or have unpaid debt with Unity Bank, which lodged a complaint against him and occasioned AMCON’s move on Tuesday. The properties taken over include House No. 15, Addis Ababa Crescent, Wuse Zone 4, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and House No. 4, Bangui Street, Wuse 2, also in Abuja. Reacting to the situation, Galadima said, “This is an attempt to disgrace and break me down. This is injustice and an attempt to humiliate me. "But I am unbreakable and they can never silence me. They sacked me and over 50 people that sleep in the apartment. "We don’t know where to go. We will remain on the streets. We will remain on the streets until God provi...

Learn how to clean washing machine in a surprisingly easy way

All machines can break down one day, and your washing machine is no exception. Knowing how to clean washing machine timely and effectively will help you reduce or even avoid additional expenses on servicing. Right now, you will be surprised to discover how easy it is! You do not even need any additional devices to do this except the ones that you already have in your house! Image: pexels.com Source: UGC A washing machine is an essential device in a modern home, but it has its own temper and demands! It reacts to the softness of water and quality of detergents that you use. In separate cases, the frequency and intensiveness of washing cycles can play their part. Now, it is time to discover several simple and cheap methods of cleaning of the essential parts of your little helper, to remove unpleasant odours, mould, and scale. The most important tips: how to clean washing machine How often is it necessary to do this cleaning? What do you think? Specialists insist on once in ...

EDUPEDIA247

Search This Blog