TheCable

Some civil society organisations (CSOs), on Friday, marched to the national assembly, demanding the sack of Olukayode Ariwoola, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Recently, Ariwoola had said he is happy that Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, is part of the ‘Integrity Group’ led by Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers.

The group is at the forefront of calls for Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to resign in the interest of “fairness”.

Speaking with journalists at the entrance of the national assembly, Ishaku Balogun, convener of the group of CSOs, said many Nigerians are dissatisfied with the “partisanship” expressed by Ariwoola.

“The CJN had, during the commissioning of a project in Rivers state, made statements conflicting with the impartiality expected of the judicial arm of government, known as the last hope of the common man,” Balogun said.

“Today, we are emboldened by a common resolve to save Nigeria, especially as we approach the 2023 general election.

“As Nigerians, we join our voices with millions of Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the partisan nature the CJN has assumed.

“The independence of the judiciary cannot be deemed satisfactory since the CJN has already taken a side in a political dispute within a political party out of the 18 others who are sponsoring candidates in the 2023 elections.

“We demand his immediate sack as Nigerians no longer have confidence in his person as an impartial judge.”

The group had, on Tuesday, staged a demonstration at the federal ministry of justice.

Below are some photos from the demonstration on Friday.