No Deal Reached with Onnoghen – Presidency

Reports emanating from the State House in Abuja is that no agreement has been reached between President Muhammadu Buhari and embattled Justice Walter Onnoghen on his resignation as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Onnoghen was suspended by President Buhari on the 25th of January on the grounds of alleged non-declaration of assets. Onnoghen was also alleged of corrupt acts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

As a result of this battle on his integrity and record as a Judge, Onnoghen resigned on Thursday. It was reported that the National Judicial Council also recommended compulsory retirement for onnoghen.

Following his resignation, reports had it that Onnoghen had struck a juicy resignation deal with the Presidency.

However insiders have told newsmen that Onnoghen’s ongoing trial for non-declaration of assets will continue.

Insiders also told newsmen that powerful stakeholders in all the arms of government are pushing for Onnoghen’s trial to continue.

Also Read: Presidency Reacts to Onnoghen’s ‘Resignation’

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)  fixed April 15 as the day to deliver its judgment on Onnoghen’s case.

The tribunal also fixed April 9 and 11 for Onnoghen’s team and prosecutors to file their final addresses respectively.

A top source, who spoke in confidence to Tribune, said: “The fate of Onnoghen is still dicey. It is unclear whether or not the Presidency will see through the conclusion of his trial by the CCT.

“There are also some alleged infractions which were investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). We do not know if he will face trial or not on these.

“While some in government and rights groups have been calling for his trial, some members of the bench and the bar are trying to lobby the Presidency to adopt the soft-landing window provided by the NJC.

“President Buhari is awaiting the legal opinion he commissioned on NJC’s report and he might unfold his position when he returns from Jordan.”

Justice Walter Onnoghen
Justice Walter Onnoghen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *