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Akure NBA supports CJN’s arraignment

By Kayode Olabanji
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The Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) Akure branch has thrown its weight behind the arraignment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Samuel Onnogen, to answer some allegations before the Code of Conduct Bureau, saying as a public officer,  he is not above the law.

Chairman, Akure branch of the association, Mr Olawale Daniel Olugbenga  who  stated this in an interview with The Hope Metro, urged some Nigerians criticising the move by the AGF, not to allow sentiments override the position of the law.

Olugbenga who noted that reactions coming from lawyers are not based on law as it is, said, “Most opinions and condemnations being voiced out are based on emotions, sentiments, political affiliation and all you can think of, but not law.

He described the conclusion drawn  by anti-prosecution of Hon. Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen CJN, as  fallacious.

“The starting point is to examine the proposed charge(s) against His Lordship. From reports made available, the CJN is alleged to have maintained foreign accounts and domiciliary accounts in foreign currency; His Lordship is alleged to have failed to declare his assets in violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

“Any allegation that a public officer has committed a breach of or has not complied with the provisions of this Code shall be made to the Code of Conduct Bureau.” Now what is the AGF proposing to do? Nothing but complying with the law. Then why the hullabaloo?

“Schedule V part 11 of the 1999 Constitution as amended provides for the categories of persons recognised by law as public officers. These includes, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justices of the Supreme Court, President and Justices of the Court of Appeal, all other judicial officers and all staff of courts of law.”

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“It is thus, without much ado, that one can safely submit that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, His Lordship Hon. Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen, is a Public Officer. His Lordship is also bound by the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers as contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic.

He, however, said the Hon. Justice Walter Samuel Onnogen, CJN, cannot be removed except by recommendations of the National Judicial Service Commission.

“His Lordship can, however, be prosecuted by the Code of Conduct Bureau and a conviction by the Bureau can be a basis for NJC’s recommendation for removal, he explained.

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Akure NBA supports CJN’s arraignment

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