TheCable

Walter Onnoghen, acting chief justice of Nigeria, has appealed to Nigerians to give President Muhammadu Buhari a “free hand” to perform his constitutional duties.

The refusal of Buhari to send Onnoghen’s name to the senate for confirmation has attracted criticisms.

Earlier on Thursday, Abubakar Umar, former military governor of Kaduna state, urged the senate not to confirm any nominee for the position of chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) apart from  Onnoghen.

He accused the president of being pro-north, saying the lack of explanation on the delay has left Nigerians “ guessing and speculating”.

But the acting chief justice has called for restraint.

“Nigerians should allow President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, a free hand to perform his constitutional duties concerning the appointment of a substantive chief justice of Nigeria,” he said in a statement issued on his behalf by Awassam Bassey, his media aide.

“Honourable Justice Onnoghen believes the president does not need any threat or ultimatum to perform his constitutional duties and therefore dissociates himself from those individuals and groups making such demands on the president.”

Onnoghen expressed gratitude to Nigerians for the interest they have shown in the issue, but maintained that issuing ultimatum amounts to disrespect for the “exalted” office of the president.

“However, the acting chief justice of Nigeria and the Nigerian judiciary sincerely appreciate the interest of Nigerians towards the appointment of a substantive chief justice of Nigeria to oversee the affairs of the judiciary as the third arm of government, but believes that issuing an ultimatum to Mr. President appears to be going too far and smacks of disrespect for the exalted office of the president,” the statement read.

“The acting chief justice therefore appeals for caution on the issue of the appointment of chief justice of Nigeria as Mr President goes about his constitutional duties, especially considering the fact that the given time for him to act as Chief Justice of Nigeria has not expired.

“In conclusion, the Acting Chief Justice wishes to thank all Nigerians for their support and continued prayers while calling on them to back the federal government in the fight to make the country a better place for all.”

Buhari appointed Onnoghen – the most senior justice of supreme court –  as acting CJN on November 16, following the retirement of Mahmoud Mohammed.