Catholic Action Nigeria, a movement within the Catholic Church has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse the suspension of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.
The group also urged the acting Chief Justice Tanko Mohammed to respect the authority of the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) and cease to act in such capacity but rather work in tandem with the NJC to save the judiciary from what it described as executive intimidation and lawlessness.
In a statement jointly issued on Sunday by the Chairman of Board of Trustees
Catholic Action Nigeria, Peter I. Agbontaen and Vice Chairman, Joseph Adom Kyaagba, the group expressed concern about “the impending potential dangers that this conflict portends to the disruption of the 2019 general elections, our democracy, national unity, national security”.
It added that “Catholic Action Nigeria will never condone any breach of the law by any person or institution including the CJN. However, Catholic Action Nigeria urges restraint and compliance with the rule of law at all times.”
It further called on all judicial officers especially of superior courts and the NBA to rise up in defence of the judiciary by refusing to acknowledge the authority of the acting CJN and insist that the president reverses himself “in this ill-advised venture and follow due process of law in resolving the matter.”
The group also urged the suspended CJN to seek judicial interpretation and challenge his suspension in the court even as it urged the National Assembly to take immediate drastic actions to remedy the situation.
“We urge all Nigerians to rise up in one accord to condemn this executive lawlessness and constitutional breach.
“Nigerians are however, advised not to embark on any form of violence as an expression of displeasure, as that will fuel anarchy which is counter to our aspirations for a truly one Nigeria,” the group said.