Breaking: US reacts to Onnoghen’s suspension, says “We are deeply concerned”

The US has reacted to Friday’s suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a press statement released on Friday, the US Embassy said it was deeply “concerned by the impact of the executive branch’s decision to suspend and replace the Chief Justice and head of the judicial branch without the support of the legislative branch on the eve of national and state elections.”

The statement read in full:

PRESS RELEASE                                                                                      January 26, 2019

For Immediate Release

PR-003/2019

Statement on the Suspension and Replacement of the Chief Justice

“The Embassy of the United States is deeply concerned by the impact of the executive branch’s decision to suspend and replace the Chief Justice and head of the judicial branch without the support of the legislative branch on the eve of national and state elections.

We note widespread Nigerian criticism that this decision is unconstitutional and that it undermines the independence of the judicial branch. That undercuts the stated determination of government, candidates, and political party leaders to ensure that the elections proceed in a way that is free, fair, transparent, and peaceful – leading to a credible result.

We urge that the issues raised by this decision be resolved swiftly and peacefully in accordance with due process, full respect for the rule of law, and the spirit of the Constitution of Nigeria. Such action is needed urgently now to ensure that this decision does not cast a pall over the electoral process.”

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Official

UNCLASSIFIED