Reactions, on Friday, trailed the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Walter Onnoghen.
Buhari had on Friday suspended Onnoghen and immediately appointed Tanko Mohammed as acting CJN.
Explaining his reason, the President said he suspended Onnoghen, following an order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, asking him to wield the big stick.
In his speech sent to DAILY POST, Buhari said the order demanded that the CJN be suspended depending the determination of his ongoing trial at the tribunal.
Onnoghen’s suspensuon has since stirred reactions from Nigerians online.
Founder of Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, and Deputy Secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought, ILT, Elliot Ugochukwu- Uko, reacting, said the suspension of Onnoghen showed President Buhari’s desperation for power.
In a statement sent to DAILY POST, Uko said “Buhari said he won’t sign the electoral act, because it’s too close to elections and might upset the polity.
“Buhari also refused to change the service chiefs for the same reason. Now, the same Buhari suddenly kicked out the Chief Justice,(who has the final say on the elections)just three weeks to elections. This is clearly the most brazen form of desperation ever displayed by any Nigerian leader.
“Buhari makes it difficult for citizens to believe in Nigeria. It’s clear for all to see, he wants to pocket the judiciary. What is he really afraid of?
“No sane person would vote for such a despot. Nigerians must not allow outgoing General Buhari to collapse our hard earned democracy.”
Also some Nigerians took to social media sharing diverse reactions.
Here are some comments gathered by DAILY POST:
@Eodjugo “ CJN Walter Onnoghen should ignore this illegal suspension and continue with his duties. Everybody must play their part in fighting tyranny. It cannot be left to only civil society groups.”
@AmadiChinma”Time to defend that which we achieved with our blood. Buhari illegally suspends Onnoghen and swears in Tanko his kin.”
@MrFestusogu “The suspension of Justice Onnoghen by President Buhari is unconstitutional, illegal and a total aberration in a democracy. It is a call to tyranny, chaos and lawlessness. President Buhari has no power of such. Rule of law must reign.”
@Kcnaija “I voted Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and he peacefully conducted elections and handed over when he lost. I am proud of him. If you voted Buhari in 2015, whatever crisis Nigeria gets into because of this Chief Justice of Nigeria Onnoghen matter and elections, take responsiblity. You enabled it!
@Rubeesimon “Buhari has no powers to remove Onnoghen, Nigeria is finished.”
@nnekei “The constitution is clear on how a CJN will be appointed but as usual tyrant Buhari ‘s disrespect for the rule of law is Legendary as he goes ahead to suspend Justice Onnoghen even though an appeal court has ruled that CCT haults his trial.Welcome to full blown Tryany people.”
@Chosensomto “The price of freedom and sustenance of our democracy is eternal vigilance, and appropriate reaction to ward off iniquity” – Obasanjo.
“If we are a serious nation ready for development, we must all resist the illegal suspension of CJN Onnoghen.“
@Dmitong “My advice to Hon. Mr. Justice Walter Onnoghen is to disregard this suspension and continue with his official responsibilities.Based on the doctrine of ‘ex nihilo nihil fit’ (nothing comes from nothing), what Buhari has done is nothing and to that extent nothing can come from.”
@AriyoAristotke “The legal credential of @ProfOsinbajo is damaged forever if he cannot distances himself from this coup and assault on the judiciary. He is a beneficiary of this illegality. If they succeed against Onnoghen, that will be the end of judicial independence as the third arm.”
@Ihoterebce “President M.Buhari has today sworn in Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria after suspenising and removing justice Walter Onnoghen without trial. We are now in a full blown dictatorship.”
@AdegokeNiniol “Please, do not equate suspension to total removal. He has a case to answer, just to prevent conflict of interest, he needs to vacate his office till court decides his fate. Buhari has continued to uphold the integrity of our judicial system, I just hope that opposition will cry again.”
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