The European Union Election Observation Mission has expressed concern following the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen.
Justice Onnoghen was suspended by President Buhari on Friday, January 25, 2019.
According to the EU group, the timing of the CJN’s suspension is questionable.
In a statement obtained from Daily Post, it also wondered if due process was followed before suspending Onnoghen.
The spokesperson of the EU group, Sarah Fradgley then called on all parties to follow the due process laid down in the constitution.
Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.
The statement reads: “The European Union was invited by the Independent National Electoral Commission to observe the 2019 general elections.
“The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) is very concerned about the process and timing of the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen, on 25 January.
“With 20 days until the presidential and National Assembly elections, political parties, candidates and voters must be able to have confidence in the impartiality and independence of the judicial system.
“The decision to suspend the Chief Justice has led to many Nigerians, including lawyers and civil society observer groups, to question whether due process was followed. The timing, just before the swearing in of justices for Electoral Tribunals and the hearing of election-related cases, has also raised concerns about the opportunity for electoral justice.
Saraki, Osinbajo and Nigeria’s Chief Justice Onnoghen
